Is Apple’s wall starting to crack? The European Union has just taken a new step in its quest for interoperability. This time, it directly calls into question the restrictive policy of iOS and iPadOS.
The European Union has just launched an offensive against one of the most closed bastions of tech: the Apple ecosystem.
In a series of recommendations published this Wednesday, December 18, 2025, Brussels demands a profound transformation of the iOS and iPadOS systems, to force the Cupertino giant to open up more to competition.
This initiative is part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the new European regulation aimed at rebalancing power in the digital sector. The Commission’s proposals go to the very heart of the iOS architecture, it mandates maximum interoperability with third-party devices, from connected watches to headphones.
Changes requested by Apple
The changes requested by the EU are as broad as they are technical. This includes allowing third-party devices to benefit from features previously reserved for the Apple ecosystem: automatic audio switching, maintaining Bluetooth connections, enriched notifications, etc.
Changes that could finally allow a Garmin watch to respond to messages as easily as an Apple Watch.
Interoperability would also include data transfer protocols, such as AirDrop and AirPlay, as well as Wi-Fi sharing and short-range file transfers. A real revolution for a traditionally locked system.
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Apple publishes white paper
Faced with these demands, Apple is not remaining idle. In a white paper published in response, the company raises the argument of security and confidentiality. She particularly points the finger at Meta, accused of wanting to take advantage of this opening to access sensitive data.
« LThe risks would be considerable and virtually impossible to mitigate.“, says Apple. However, Meta counters by accusing Apple of using privacy as a pretext to maintain its anticompetitive practices.
The stakes are high: if Apple does not comply with future recommendations, the company risks colossal fines of up to 10% of its global sales. The Commission is giving the companies concerned until January 9, 2025 to react, before finalization planned for March 2025.
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