EU sends Apple first DMA interoperability instructions for apps and devices

The European Union has sent Apple preliminary instructions on how it expects the iPhone maker to comply with interoperability provisions in the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), its flagship market contestability reform. According to the Commission, device manufacturers and app developers should be able to access nine iOS connectivity features that were restricted to Apple’s exclusive use before, such as peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC features and device pairing. As a result, Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, connected TVs, or other, non-Apple devices should work better with an iPhone. Google could use this opportunity to make AirDrop work with Android devices. Headphone manufacturers could support SharePlay, a feature that only works with AirPods for now. This follows the Commission’s opening of two specification proceedings on Apple back in September — one of which focused on ensuring the DMA’s interoperability requirements are effectively met when it comes to Apple allowi ... Read full article.