iOS: Apple warns of the EU’s important interfaces

iOS should become more compatible with devices from other manufacturers. In March, the EU Commission dictated in detail which functions and interfaces Apple must open in the iPhone operating system within the next year. Against the decision of the competitive keepers, the group has now appealed to the European Union (ECG) court; The entry on Monday was not open to the public.

The EU Commission creates “an inappropriate, costly process” and hemme innovation, an Apple spokeswoman said in a statement as a reason for the step. The interoperability requirements would enable “data-hungry companies” to have “access to sensitive information”, which is a “massive data protection and security risk”.

No more built-in benefits for Apple Accessories

Apple must open decisive areas with iOS 19 and iOS 20 – or iOS 26 and iOS 27 – to enable more competition. Other manufacturers should be able to offer similar functions in interaction with iPhones that have so far reserved Apple devices such as Watch, Airpods and Vision Pro. This includes, for example, that other smartwatches can then completely represent iPhone communications and can answer them directly. So far, this can only be done on the Apple Watch.

Ultimately, all special functions kept by the Apple must be open to other manufacturers for the in -house accessories for the in -house accessories. This includes the fast audio switching known from the Airpods between several devices, the streaming of content, the transmission of files and comfortable commissioning the accessories. The exchange of payment information via NFC and the transfer of WLAN passwords must also design Apple with solidly documented frameworks and interfaces in an interoperble-within the next 12 to 18 months.

Apple warns of “poorer experience”

Above all, the release of communications and access to the course stored WLAN networks considers Apple to be problematic, which can give other companies deep insights. In the end, however, it is up to the user whether he gives an app the corresponding approval for such data access – as has been the case for a long time when releasing the location and access to other sensitive data.

The guidelines “will significantly restrict us to offer innovative products and functions in Europe and ultimately to a poorer experience for our European customers: the group warned. The so-called specifics of the EU Commission are legally binding, the first functions have to implement Apple until the end of the year, including access to the iOS announcements, support for the Wi-Fi Aware 4.0 and automatic WLAN compounds for accessories. Apple has so far blocked two new functions newly introduced last year, including iPhone Mirroring on Macs.