The European Union persists in its determination. After imposing significant changes on Apple in 2024, it announces even stricter measures for 2025. This standoff promises to be historic and could have significant repercussions for us, the consumers.
Apple faces new EU requirements
The relationship between Apple and the European Union continues to strain. Following recent changes imposed on iOS to comply with the provisions of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Commission now requires Apple to ensure “effective interoperability” between iOS and competing platforms. These requests, detailed in a new document published by the Commission, aim to reduce practices deemed anti-competitive by the American technology giant. However, Apple has strongly criticized these proposals, considering them a threat to user security and privacy.
The EU’s new demands on Apple
The DMA, which entered into force in 2023, requires large technology companies, described as “gatekeepers”, to respect a series of rules to guarantee fair competition. While Apple has already complied with certain obligations, such as allowing third-party app stores in the EU, the European Commission is now pushing the company to go even further.
The EU document demands that Apple:
- Facilitates pairing and control of accessories from other brands (smartwatches, headphones, etc.), previously optimized for Apple devices only.
- Allows third-party apps to run in the background, a feature currently reserved for native apps like Apple Music or Maps.
- Expands exclusive features, such as AirPlay and AirDrop, to make them accessible on non-Apple devices.
These measures aim to open up the iOS ecosystem and provide an equivalent user experience, regardless of the brand of accessories or applications used. The EU has set January 9, 2025 as the deadline to finalize its consultation on these requests.
Apple’s response: privacy and security in the spotlight
Faced with these demands, Apple published a document criticizing the DMA legislation and EU demands, claiming that these measures endanger its model centered on the protection of personal data. Apple emphasizes that:
- Its closed ecosystem guarantees user security, preventing third-party applications from accessing sensitive data.
- Expanded interoperability could compromise user privacy, allowing companies like Meta to access sensitive technologies and data.
Apple also directly targeted Meta in its pitch, emphasizing that the company is one of the most vocal applicants for access to iOS technologies under the DMA. According to Apple, if these requests were granted, it would give Meta full access to user data, including messages, phone calls, files, photos and even passwords.
The potential consequences for Apple
If Apple fails to comply with the DMA’s requirements, it could face significant penalties. The EU has the option to open a formal investigation that could result in fines of up to 10% of the company’s annual global sales. For a company that generated more than $394 billion in revenue in 2023, this represents a colossal financial risk.
Apple could also be forced to completely review its business model in Europe, which could affect its overall strategy. Or worse, force it to restrict its establishment in the European Union, which would directly cause harm to us European customers.
A precedent: recent changes in iOS
This new controversy comes after a year where Apple has already had to comply with several rules imposed by the DMA. In 2024, the firm introduced:
- The ability to download applications from third-party sources, a process known as sideloading.
- Support for alternative app stores, breaking away from App Store exclusivity.
These changes have been welcomed by antitrust advocates, but Apple continues to defend its closed ecosystem, saying it is a necessity to protect its users.
The debate between innovation, competition and security
The standoff between Apple and the EU raises fundamental questions about the balance between technological innovation, competition and data protection.
- For the EU, opening up iOS is essential to ensure fair competition and encourage innovation.
- For Apple, these measures could compromise its key differentiator: user privacy and security.
This debate could also have repercussions well beyond Europe, influencing how big tech companies are regulated around the world.
Conclusion: a confrontation with global consequences
The conflict between Apple and the European Union is emblematic of growing tensions between tech giants and regulators. As Apple fights to preserve its closed ecosystem, the EU seeks to ensure fair competition and opportunities for third-party developers.
With a deadline set for January 2025, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether Apple chooses to comply with EU demands or risk sanctions. In any case, this issue will have a major impact on the future of the relationship between Europe and large technology companies. Donald Trump, the new president of the United States, could get involved as early as next year.
