The European Commission has launched two specification procedures to “help” Apple meet its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

This goes far beyond a simple technical issue.

Why is it important?This penultimate clash between Apple and the European Union is less a battle over regulation than a clash of visions about the future of technology and its role in society.

Context:

1. The EU wants Apple to open up iOS to better integrate other accessories and peripherals, such as smartwatches, headphones or VR headsets. In addition to the Apple Watch, AirPods or Vision Pro would also be integrated.
2. Apple defends its closed ecosystem model, arguing that it is key to security and user experience.

Between the linesThis conflict reflects two opposing philosophies: on the one hand, the European vision that platforms are open and interoperable entities. On the other hand, the US model in general, and Silicon Valley in particular, that allows ecosystems to remain closed and highly optimized.

The question is where to draw the line between promoting competition and protecting innovation and intellectual property.

in detailApple has taken some steps in the direction the EU wants, both with its latest regulations and beyond, such as with its new iOS 18 accessory pairing feature.

But the EU wants more, and could demand that Apple not only open up its platforms and facilitate access to certain APIs, but also share proprietary technologies. This last scenario would spark a much bigger debate.

Dilemma.

• Greater openness can foster innovation and competition…
• …but it also jeopardizes the security and user experience that Apple is famous for.

In the next six months, at most, we will learn the specific demands set by the Commission.

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Featured image | Mockuuups Studio, Wikimedia Commons