Apple could remove AirDrop from EU iPhones as legal battle heats up

The legal battle between Apple and the European Union is showing no signs of easing up. A possible consequence of the latest round is that Apple could end up removing AirDrop functionality from iPhones sold in the EU. Apple has appealed a key part of the Digital Markets Act that would require it to make certain features available to third-party companies, and given its hardline attitude so far, there could be significant consequences if it loses the case … Interoperability requirements The EU last year declared that it’s anti-competitive for Apple to restrict certain iOS features to its own devices. This includes the proximity-pairing feature exclusive to AirPods, and AirDrop. The EU says that limiting these features to Apple products gives the company an unfair advantage over competitors, and ordered it to open them up to other companies. Apple indicated at the time that it was in discussions with the EU to see what agreement might be reached, but it appears these talks went nowh ... Read full article.