iPad Accessory Integration Becomes the EU's Next Regulatory Feud With Apple

[MacRumors]

iPadOS is now under formal scrutiny by the European Commission to determine whether it complies with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The announcement by the European Commission marks the next step in its regulatory oversight of Apple, following the iPadOS designation as a "gatekeeper" platform in April 2024. The classification was part of a broader effort to apply the newly enforced DMA, aimed at limiting the dominance of major tech firms and promoting fair competition across the European Union.

The regulations outline obligations for "gatekeepers," mandating these companies to open up their software ecosystems to ensure a level playing field. In a press release (via Reuters), the European Commission explained:

Apple must, among others, allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPadOS, allow alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow accessory devices, like headphones and smart pens, to effectively access iPadOS features.

Apple has already made a series of changes to iPadOS in the European Union to comply with regulations, and the Commission is now assessing the sufficiency of these changes. For example, iPadOS 18 will allow users in the European Union to install third-party app stores—referred to as "app marketplaces" by Apple—and set an alternative web browser as the default.

However, questions remain about Apple's compliance with the DMA's stipulations for accessory interoperability. The DMA states that platforms must support "accessory ecosystems like headphones and smart pens," allowing these third-party devices to work effectively with core operating system functions.

While the iPad supports a wide range of headphones and styluses, the integration for accessories like the AirPods and Apple Pencil remains considerably more seamless and feature-rich compared to third-party alternatives, offering capabilities such as automatic device switching and pressure sensitivity.

Apple may try to argue that its current level of support for third-party accessories already meets the requirements of the DMA. Under the provisions of the DMA, violations could lead to significant penalties, potentially amounting to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover. The final judgement is expected to be published next year.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Article Link: iPad Accessory Integration Becomes the EU's Next Regulatory Feud With Apple

 

[thejoshuabradshaw]

You know, I would just leave the market and tell the EU to piss off. The folks can inport the devices they want without all the toddler's nonsense.

 

[jb310]

Under the provisions of the DMA, violations could lead to significant penalties, potentially amounting to 10% of the company’s global annual turnover.

I guess the government really needs money, and this is probably easier to sell to their voters than raising taxes. 🤔

 

[Geoffb9]

It seems the EU only target Apple and American companies.

 

[Zc456]

Oh, please... Yes. Give us the same wide open ecosystem we had in the iPod era.

 

[SAIRUS]

Tim probably will cave like he did on usb c, but I'm pretty sure the EU needs to make room for experimentation and innovation. If everyone is forced onto a standard, how can you deviate from it?

FYI I've not read the laws, so dunno what exactly could happen.

 

[840quadra]

I have a Logitech crayon that works with multiple different iPads, I also have 3rd party screen protectors, keyboards, mice, etc.

What exactly do we need to over regulate here?

::EDIT::
Are devs not able to incorporate pressure sensitivity, or, is it simply that the cost makes it more prohibitive for 3rd party entities to compete with Native Apple products, thus not worth the effort?

 

[cjsuk]

The EU are getting dumber by the day. There are literally third party Apple Pencils and airpod clones that aren't much worse than the official parts. Nothing has stopped interoperation there.

 

[CapitalIdea]

Leave it to the EU to complain that Apple delivers a better setup experience.

 

[Slix]

"We want to be able to run Windows 95 on it!"
-The EU next month, probably.

 

[cjsuk]

It seems the EU only target Apple and American companies.

There aren't any EU computer companies left to target. The EU advisers, one of which I know, used to work for large electronics and computer manufacturers in the EU in a management capacity. They sold them out to the Chinese and the Americans to fill their retirement funds up and now sit on the advisory side of this lording it around.

They should investigate Philips management, in the EU, who sold out all the UK and European electronic manufacturing to start with.

 

[rizzo41999]

It seems the EU only target Apple and American companies.

Bingo, no mention of Spotify - the market leader in music streaming...

 

[CapitalIdea]

Tim probably will cave like he did on usb c, but I'm pretty sure the EU needs to make room for experimentation and innovation. If everyone is forced onto a standard, how can you deviate from it?

FYI I've not read the laws, so dunno what exactly could happen.

What are you going on about? It was clear years before any regulations that everything was going toward USB-C and Apple jumped into it at the same time as everyone else on their computers. If anything, they've been more aggressive about phasing out USB-A than anyone else.

 

[surferfb]

Friendly reminder that iPadOS does not meet the quantitative thresholds defined in the DMA that determine whether or not the law applies to it, but the EU declared iPadOS as a gatekeeper that the DMA applies to anyway.

 

[ddtmm]

I understand the app store having to open up and really agree with that, but this is going too far. Not all accessories are designed the same, and differences is what sets them apart, as does price. Gonna have to disagree with the EU on this one.

 

[cocky jeremy]

Whaaat? No way. I'm shocked.

 

[Koudspeel]

Way to go EU! Put Apple on it's leash

 

[icanhazmac]

I have a Logitech crayon that works with multiple different iPads, I also have 3rd party screen protectors, keyboards, mice, etc.

What exactly do we need to over regulate here?

::EDIT::
Are devs not able to incorporate pressure sensitivity, or, is it simply that the cost makes it more prohibitive for 3rd party entities to compete with Native Apple products, thus not worth the effort?

Same, my crayon, MX Keys, MX Master 3S and Sony headphones beg to differ. They were all very easy to pair and use, not sure what else they could do.

 

[MNGR]

Next step.
EU will require Apple to allow Android to be installed and supported without affecting a warranty .

 

[Remy149]

Tim probably will cave like he did on usb c, but I'm pretty sure the EU needs to make room for experimentation and innovation. If everyone is forced onto a standard, how can you deviate from it?

FYI I've not read the laws, so dunno what exactly could happen.

Apple was moving to usb-c eventually anyway. That was an easy decision they just moved the roadmap up sooner

 

[contacos]

Great! Can’t wait to use my Füller on iPad!

 

[threesixty360]

Tim probably will cave like he did on usb c, but I'm pretty sure the EU needs to make room for experimentation and innovation. If everyone is forced onto a standard, how can you deviate from it?

FYI I've not read the laws, so dunno what exactly could happen.

Apple were always going to go usb c for all their devices. They already had iPad pro’s on usb c. The issue was being forced to rather than allowing tech companies to choose what is best for them.

 

[CEmajr]

I guess the government really needs money, and this is probably easier to sell to their voters than raising taxes. 🤔

Absolutely. Easy way to raise revenue since these countries aren't generating much on their own anymore.

 

[jarman92]

Tim probably will cave like he did on usb c, but I'm pretty sure the EU needs to make room for experimentation and innovation. If everyone is forced onto a standard, how can you deviate from it?

FYI I've not read the laws, so dunno what exactly could happen.

The DMA isn't really a "law" so much as a vague, amorphous guideline that EC bureaucrats can weaponize to target disfavored American companies whenever they see fit. Case in point: the iPad doesn't meet the actual definition of a "gatekeeper," so the EC just concocted some hand-wavey BS to justify classifying it as such. This whole thing is such transparent protectionist nonsense.

 

[sw1tcher]

You know, I would just leave the market and tell the EU to piss off.

You would leave the European market and leave behind 25 percent (or more) of your annual sales? Good thing someone like Tim Cook, who is not known to make rash impulsive decisions, is still in charge.

Europe brought in $101.328 Billion in sales for Apple's fiscal year 2024. That's 25.9 percent of total revenue.