EU Orders Apple to Open Nine iOS Connectivity Features for Interoperability

The European Commission has issued two significant decisions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), compelling Apple to improve interoperability between its iOS ecosystem and third-party devices and developers. Announced on March 18, 2025, these legally binding measures aim to integrate third-party products more seamlessly with iPhones and iPads, targeting nine specific connectivity features and the process for handling interoperability requests. For Apple users and developers in Europe, this could mean broader compatibility and access to innovative hardware and services; however, Apple says it will slow its ability to innovate for users and force the company to give away features for free to companies.

The first decision focuses on nine iOS connectivity features critical for devices like smartwatches, headphones, and TVs. These include notifications, background execution, automatic audio switching, high-bandwidth peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, close-range wireless file transfers (akin to AirDrop), media casting (similar to AirPlay), NFC in reader/writer mode, proximity-triggered pairing, and automatic Wi-Fi connections. Device manufacturers and app developers will gain enhanced access to these features, enabling capabilities such as displaying notifications on non-Apple smartwatches, faster file sharing as an alternative to AirDrop, or casting media to TVs without relying solely on AirPlay. Apple must ensure these solutions match the effectiveness of its own offerings, maintaining user privacy and system integrity.

The second decision addresses Apple's process for handling interoperability requests from developers. It mandates greater transparency with detailed technical documentation, a structured timeline for reviews, and clear communication channels. Developers can expect eligibility assessments within 20 working days, project plans within 40 days, and development cycles completed in 6 to 18 months, depending on complexity. Solutions must launch in the next relevant iOS or iPadOS update, with a maximum timeline of 24 months. Dispute resolution mechanisms, including an independent conciliation process, will be fully operational by July 19, 2025, while other process measures take effect by May 19, 2025.




Apple's implementation timeline for the nine connectivity features spans multiple stages. For iOS notifications, a beta version is due by the end of 2025, with full functionality—including user-selected notifications in companion apps—by June 1, 2026. High-bandwidth peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections will roll out with Wi-Fi Aware 4.0 in iOS 19 and Wi-Fi Aware 5.0 within nine months of its specification release. Proximity-triggered pairing requires a beta by late 2025 and full deployment by June 1, 2026. Background execution will see partial support in iOS 19 by year-end 2025, with all measures completed in iOS 20 by the end of 2026.

Close-range wireless file transfers, offering capabilities like AirDrop, must enable transfers with open receiving devices by June 1, 2026, with full implementation in iOS 20 by year-end 2026. Automatic Wi-Fi connections will be fully available in iOS 19 by the end of 2025, with updates matching Apple's own devices by June 1, 2026. Media casting, providing alternatives to AirPlay, is slated for iOS 20, due by the end of 2026. Automatic audio switching will mostly launch by June 1, 2026, though support for non-connected third-party devices as audio routes extends to June 1, 2027. NFC in reader/writer mode, enabling payments via third-party devices like rings, must be ready in iOS 19 by the end of 2025.

Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera emphasized the broader impact, stating, "Today's decisions mark the first time the Commission outlines concrete measures for a gatekeeper to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Companies operating in the EU, irrespective of their place of incorporation, must comply with EU rules. Effective interoperability for third-party connected devices is an important step towards opening Apple's ecosystem." These measures stem from extensive dialogue with Apple and third-party input, following proceedings launched on September 19, 2024, and a public consultation in December 2024.


These mandates and tight schedules reflect the Commission's push to reshape how Apple interacts with competitors. While Apple has criticized the decision as regulatory overreach, it appears as though the company plans to comply with the orders. You can learn more about the two adopted specification decisions at the link below.

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