"The European Commission is forcing new rules on Apple -- and only Apple" - huh? Every Gatekeeper in EU has to abide by the rules. Apple thinks it is uniquely exempt from the law, so the EU worked with Apple, and competitors, to assist Apple to understand what it would need to do to comply. Whether or not Apple likes those rules, or whether Apple Insider likes those rules, is immaterial; if you want to do business in the EU, obey EU law. If I want to do business in the USA, I must obey US law - I'm sure even Mr Trump would agree. Why should Apple be above the law of 27 nations?
Apple only has 22-24% of the market in Europe. Yet, the EU determined that it was a "gatekeeper". The EU keeps shifting how the rules are defined and applied by the DMA, which had been a consistent complaint about that legislation even before it was enacted. Apple is known to be a closed ecosystem, and it has never made a secret of that. And, there is an alternate phone competitor, which actually does have the majority of the market. Despite this, Apple has created these thousands of API's for outside companies to interface with its products whether it is because of benevolence or because of free market demands. The EU hasn't "worked" with Apple; Apple has asked for clarification and replied as the article states, but the EIU has disregarded Apple's concerns, especially as they relate to privacy and proprietary technology.
As the article also points out, Spotify, which truly does control a majority share of the market, isn't even held to the same standard. So, it isn't a matter of Apple not following EU law; it is a matter of the EU selectively applying the law, trying to wring money out of Apple with its massive fines (10% of international revenues, really? how is that even a fair penalty?) and hamstring another American company because the EU cannot innovate.
Apple's market share in Europe is irrelevant. What is relevant is its influence and market share within the EU. It is absolutely a gatekeeper here, and so is Android, but Apple here is the one not being compliant with the demands of the EU.
As to Spotify vs Apple, you have to explain to me how you can compare a music service to Apple? Even if Spotify is a major player (next to Apple Music), it is a duo-poly but not a gatekeeper. I recommend you really looking up that definition in how the EU has drafted this. Big difference. It would be crazy for the EU to have problems with the music duopoly. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Airbus and Boeing; also examples of two global companies having a duopoly in the EU. All allowed.
I'm especially flabbergasted why Americans are so hung up on what the EU demands. It is non of your business, but for some reason Americans think they are at the center of the world and the rest needs to adhere to their values. America is by far the most corrupt nation in the world, morally and financially, and we do not have to play by your rules. So far nothing of what the EU has demanded has impacted you in the US when using your phone or its software. Perhaps rather worry about the rapid dismantling of what is left of your democracy?
Is there anymore doubt the EU is evil and anti American?
Trump is right in this one
What an arrogant & narcissistic thing to say. Have you considered the USA being anti-European?
Also, this article is sensationalist nonsense written by someone who’s clearly incredibly biased. It totally misrepresents the demands of EU and places the conflict in the wrong context.
I recommend people to actually read EU’s arguments (easy to Google) instead of this brain rot article.
In exactly which particulars is the article wrong and what exactly is the EU's position where you believe it differs from what is stated in the article. Please be specific and cite sources in your response.
Ok, I won't hold my breath for that, but, frankly, it's hard not to see how the EU putting the screws on American tech companies doesn't lend credence to Trump's rhetoric. This is a boon for the radical elements in charge of our government right now, which will end up backfiring on the EU, and all because the EU wants to appropriate Apple's, and other tech companies', IP and shake them down for cash.
Sure. Here is the actual *information* summarized, without the usual AppleInsider craziness:
The European Commission has issued two legally binding decisions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure that Apple enhances interoperability between its iOS operating system and third-party devices and applications.
Key Requirements:
1. Interoperability with Connected Devices:
• Apple must grant third-party device manufacturers access to specific iOS features to facilitate seamless integration. This includes functionalities such as notifications, background processes, and various wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC).
2. Transparency and Predictability for Developers:
• Apple is required to provide clearer guidelines and technical documentation to developers. This aims to make the process for requesting interoperability with iOS devices more transparent and predictable, ensuring that developers have the necessary information to integrate their products effectively.
These measures are designed to promote competition and innovation by allowing third-party devices and applications to work as seamlessly with iOS as Apple’s own products, thereby offering consumers more choices.
While Apple has expressed concerns that these directives might hinder innovation and place the company at a disadvantage compared to others, the European Commission maintains that these steps are essential for ensuring a fair and open digital market.
These decisions are part of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to enforce the DMA, targeting major tech companies to ensure they do not engage in anti-competitive practices.
The reason why Apple specifically is targeted is the fact Android already does comply. Again, AppleInsider likes to look at it this from the lens of a cult. Maybe they should be acquired by Fox News?
Sorry, but you failed to answer the question nor did you provide a foundation for your previous accusations.
You are too hellbent on winning an argument rather than intending to engage in actual conversation, so I'm not playing ball. Read the EU's points and reflect on the article yourself. I'm not here to serve you.
I think the EU's position is perfectly reasonable and sensible.
Why shouldn't all manufacturers of peripheries such as Digital Watches / Headphones have the same access to the iPhone as Apple's own Watch/headphones?
Or are we suggesting anyone wanting to make a competing Apple Watch should just go and make their own phone to go with it?
You are aware that there are other smartwatches and headphones for the iPhone, than just the Apple Watch and Apple brand headphones .... right?
In case you don't understand, it's not about access to the iPhone, but access to Apple Intellectual Property (IP) in both the Watch and iPhone, IP that gives the Apple Watch a competitive edge. IP that Apple invested 10's of millions of dollars, if not billions, in RD.
Ask yourself this, why can't we make money selling fancy $20 (Fortnite Bucks) virtual outfits to Epic Games Fortnite players? Are we suggesting that anyone wanting to compete with Epic in selling virtual outfits to customers playing games by Epic Games, develop our own games? You bet that hows it works. Fortnite is Epic Games IP. Nearly all develop countries hands the IP owner a monopoly in the ways they can monetize their IP. Google chose to make their IP (Android) Open Source. Thus (with limits) available for free to use and modify. Apple IP (iOS, Watch OS, iPadOS, etc.) are not Open Source (nor Public Domain) and solely belongs to Apple and only runs on Apple devices . They can charge for the use of their IP to recover the cost of RD or should be able to limit its availability, to give Apple products a competitive advantage.
"The European Commission is forcing new rules on Apple -- and only Apple" - huh? Every Gatekeeper in EU has to abide by the rules. Apple thinks it is uniquely exempt from the law, so the EU worked with Apple, and competitors, to assist Apple to understand what it would need to do to comply. Whether or not Apple likes those rules, or whether Apple Insider likes those rules, is immaterial; if you want to do business in the EU, obey EU law. If I want to do business in the USA, I must obey US law - I'm sure even Mr Trump would agree. Why should Apple be above the law of 27 nations?
Apple only has 22-24% of the market in Europe. Yet, the EU determined that it was a "gatekeeper". The EU keeps shifting how the rules are defined and applied by the DMA, which had been a consistent complaint about that legislation even before it was enacted. Apple is known to be a closed ecosystem, and it has never made a secret of that. And, there is an alternate phone competitor, which actually does have the majority of the market. Despite this, Apple has created these thousands of API's for outside companies to interface with its products whether it is because of benevolence or because of free market demands. The EU hasn't "worked" with Apple; Apple has asked for clarification and replied as the article states, but the EIU has disregarded Apple's concerns, especially as they relate to privacy and proprietary technology.
As the article also points out, Spotify, which truly does control a majority share of the market, isn't even held to the same standard. So, it isn't a matter of Apple not following EU law; it is a matter of the EU selectively applying the law, trying to wring money out of Apple with its massive fines (10% of international revenues, really? how is that even a fair penalty?) and hamstring another American company because the EU cannot innovate.
Apple's market share in Europe is irrelevant. What is relevant is its influence and market share within the EU. It is absolutely a gatekeeper here, and so is Android, but Apple here is the one not being compliant with the demands of the EU.
As to Spotify vs Apple, you have to explain to me how you can compare a music service to Apple? Even if Spotify is a major player (next to Apple Music), it is a duo-poly but not a gatekeeper. I recommend you really looking up that definition in how the EU has drafted this. Big difference. It would be crazy for the EU to have problems with the music duopoly. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Airbus and Boeing; also examples of two global companies having a duopoly in the EU. All allowed.
I'm especially flabbergasted why Americans are so hung up on what the EU demands. It is non of your business, but for some reason Americans think they are at the center of the world and the rest needs to adhere to their values. America is by far the most corrupt nation in the world, morally and financially, and we do not have to play by your rules. So far nothing of what the EU has demanded has impacted you in the US when using your phone or its software. Perhaps rather worry about the rapid dismantling of what is left of your democracy?
I prefer to call it a “ Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly” -Elon also known as RUDE 😂. Laughing because the alternative is to cry knowing I’m still young and watching governments fall apart. Look, I agree Americans shouldn’t be this invested in the EU, but then again, it’s US companies that are getting mega fines, and if a major ruling is done, other countries will follow. I prefer Apple due to the ecosystem, and the EU is trying to open that ecosystem, which may lead to Apple becoming like Android, which then begs to wonder, isn’t Apple already the competitive market that the EU is trying to make?
I think the EU's position is perfectly reasonable and sensible.
Why shouldn't all manufacturers of peripheries such as Digital Watches / Headphones have the same access to the iPhone as Apple's own Watch/headphones?
Or are we suggesting anyone wanting to make a competing Apple Watch should just go and make their own phone to go with it?
You are aware that there are other smartwatches and headphones for the iPhone, than just the Apple Watch and Apple brand headphones .... right?
In case you don't understand, it's not about access to the iPhone, but access to Apple Intellectual Property (IP) in both the Watch and iPhone, IP that gives the Apple Watch a competitiveedge. IP that Apple invested 10's of millions of dollars, if not billions, in RD.
Ask yourself this, why can't we make money selling fancy $20 (Fortnite Bucks) virtual outfits to Epic Games Fortnite players? Are we suggesting that anyone wanting to compete with Epic in selling virtual outfits to customers playing games by Epic Games, develop our own games? You bet that hows it works. Fortnite is Epic Games IP. Nearly all develop countries hands the IP owner a monopoly in the ways they can monetize their IP. Google chose to make their IP (Android) Open Source. Thus (with limits) available for free to use and modify. Apple IP (iOS, Watch OS, iPadOS, etc.) are not Open Source (nor Public Domain) and solely belongs to Apple and only runs on Apple devices . They can charge for the use of their IP to recover the cost of RD or should be able to limit its availability, to give Apple products a competitive advantage.
Or an anti-competitive edge!
That is the whole reason for all of this.
There is no problem with IP. There is a problem with how it used to degrade the experience of competing products.
IP is everywhere. A lot of it is provided completely free. You know, printing involves IP!
One of the MAJOR design considerations at the birth of OS X was that no software would be allowed to speak to hardware directly. OS X would be the literal gatekeeper and that (at least on paper) brought system stability. It's all IP.
Music playback is IP. Video playback is IP. Text and image display is IP.
Wi-Fi isn't an Apple thing. Apple is paying royalties to implement it. Other people's IP. So are other manufacturers. Limiting the experience for devices from third party vendors is anti-competitive and that is how the EC sees it.
The same applies to 'pairing' and the seven other areas that the EC has taken issue with.
Interoperability is a huge issue in competition terms and the EU is rightly pushing for a more level playing field and I will go out on a limb here and say that other areas around the world are likely to follow suit and implement similar requirements.
No one is telling Apple to open its IP to the world. The requirements is very limited and absolutely necessary.
I'm especially flabbergasted why Americans are so hung up on what the EU demands. It is non of your business, but for some reason Americans think they are at the center of the world and the rest needs to adhere to their values. America is by far the most corrupt nation in the world, morally and financially, and we do not have to play by your rules. So far nothing of what the EU has demanded has impacted you in the US when using your phone or its software. Perhaps rather worry about the rapid dismantling of what is left of your democracy?
Really? My flabber is equally gasted that you think it's ok to force Apple, or any company, to design their products to work with other companies' products.
"• Apple must grant third-party device manufacturers access to specific iOS features to facilitate seamless integration. This includes functionalities such as notifications, background processes, and various wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC)."
Look, I am not anti-EU. This specific issue has nothing to do with App Store fees or steering. I could see the point of that. But it's not like you can't buy products that work with Apple's products. Do Apple's products work better with Apple products, with more features? Sure, and what's wrong with that? But forcing Apple to conform to every third party vendor, and their potential third party security risks, is just stupid. And why? Who is being harmed here? Apple's EU customers have not complained. Plenty of third party vendors already design their products to fit Apple's ecosystem. Those who are complaining just don't want to play by the rules, and why not? It's people who want to exploit Apple's customer base, but for *some reason* want to bypass Apple's protocols. Yeah... no. And I'm not at all buying the "interoperability" noise.
I'm especially flabbergasted why Americans are so hung up on what the EU demands. It is non of your business, but for some reason Americans think they are at the center of the world and the rest needs to adhere to their values. America is by far the most corrupt nation in the world, morally and financially, and we do not have to play by your rules. So far nothing of what the EU has demanded has impacted you in the US when using your phone or its software. Perhaps rather worry about the rapid dismantling of what is left of your democracy?
Really? My flabber is equally gasted that you think it's ok to force Apple, or any company, to design their products to work with other companies' products.
"• Apple must grant third-party device manufacturers access to specific iOS features to facilitate seamless integration. This includes functionalities such as notifications, background processes, and various wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC)."
Look, I am not anti-EU. This specific issue has nothing to do with App Store fees or steering. I could see the point of that. But it's not like you can't buy products that work with Apple's products. Do Apple's products work better with Apple products, with more features? Sure, and what's wrong with that? But forcing Apple to conform to every third party vendor, and their potential third party security risks, is just stupid. And why? Who is being harmed here? Apple's EU customers have not complained. Plenty of third party vendors already design their products to fit Apple's ecosystem. Those who are complaining just don't want to play by the rules, and why not? It's people who want to exploit Apple's customer base, but for *some reason* want to bypass Apple's protocols. Yeah... no. And I'm not at all buying the "interoperability" noise.
The root problem here is the 'duopoly' on digital mobile platforms. That creates a pretty unique situation and needs specific attention.
Hopefully we might eventually see an autonomous EU initiative to manage core aspects of daily life on mobile.
The EU is full of ex 'monopoly' companies that have (for many years now) been obliged to open up for interoperability and provide infrastructure/services etc to competitors.
The resulting competition has been a boon for consumers. Spain's Telefonica just this year requested that its obligations to share infrastructure be lifted because (in its view) the playing field has been leveled. The Spanish government rejected the request.
You are all talking past each other at this point. It's really quite simple. The EU has a right to pass regulations and have Apple follow them. However, when those regulations seek to dismantle Apple's ecosystem advantage because its competitors are sad they didn't invent iMessage or AirDrop, that's a step too far.
It's one thing to push Apple to allow something that is otherwise harmless and the result of old thinking, see emulators. It's another entirely to force Apple to allow companies access to sensitive data in the name of interoperability. Meta is asking the EU for this stuff so it can track users when they switch Wi-Fi networks. Creepy. Notification allowances enable third-parties to read every app and message notification that goes to your device.
I believe Apple should open up notifications and give users a choice, but warn them that they are exposing all of their notification data to third parties like Samsung or Google. There's a middle ground here, but the EU isn't interested in hearing about how the technology works or what compromises can be made. They write laws in a vacuum without understanding what they ask for and bend to the will of other's complaints outside of Apple.
It's just not how it should work. That's the problem. Regulation isn't an issue and can be useful to consumers. But it doesn't seem like that's what the interest of the DMA is.
"The European Commission is forcing new rules on Apple -- and only Apple" - huh? Every Gatekeeper in EU has to abide by the rules. Apple thinks it is uniquely exempt from the law, so the EU worked with Apple, and competitors, to assist Apple to understand what it would need to do to comply. Whether or not Apple likes those rules, or whether Apple Insider likes those rules, is immaterial; if you want to do business in the EU, obey EU law. If I want to do business in the USA, I must obey US law - I'm sure even Mr Trump would agree. Why should Apple be above the law of 27 nations?
Apple only has 22-24% of the market in Europe. Yet, the EU determined that it was a "gatekeeper". The EU keeps shifting how the rules are defined and applied by the DMA, which had been a consistent complaint about that legislation even before it was enacted. Apple is known to be a closed ecosystem, and it has never made a secret of that. And, there is an alternate phone competitor, which actually does have the majority of the market. Despite this, Apple has created these thousands of API's for outside companies to interface with its products whether it is because of benevolence or because of free market demands. The EU hasn't "worked" with Apple; Apple has asked for clarification and replied as the article states, but the EIU has disregarded Apple's concerns, especially as they relate to privacy and proprietary technology.
As the article also points out, Spotify, which truly does control a majority share of the market, isn't even held to the same standard. So, it isn't a matter of Apple not following EU law; it is a matter of the EU selectively applying the law, trying to wring money out of Apple with its massive fines (10% of international revenues, really? how is that even a fair penalty?) and hamstring another American company because the EU cannot innovate.
Apple's market share in Europe is irrelevant. What is relevant is its influence and market share within the EU. It is absolutely a gatekeeper here, and so is Android, but Apple here is the one not being compliant with the demands of the EU.
As to Spotify vs Apple, you have to explain to me how you can compare a music service to Apple? Even if Spotify is a major player (next to Apple Music), it is a duo-poly but not a gatekeeper. I recommend you really looking up that definition in how the EU has drafted this. Big difference. It would be crazy for the EU to have problems with the music duopoly. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Airbus and Boeing; also examples of two global companies having a duopoly in the EU. All allowed.
I'm especially flabbergasted why Americans are so hung up on what the EU demands. It is non of your business, but for some reason Americans think they are at the center of the world and the rest needs to adhere to their values. America is by far the most corrupt nation in the world, morally and financially, and we do not have to play by your rules. So far nothing of what the EU has demanded has impacted you in the US when using your phone or its software. Perhaps rather worry about the rapid dismantling of what is left of your democracy?
Lets turn that around: The rapid dismantling of what is left of our democracy is none of your business, but for some reason Europeans think that they are at the center of the world, and the rest need to adhere to their values.
My stating this is as nonsensical as you doing so.
Anyway, we, meaning AppleInsider, care about this 1) because we aren't just a US site and 2) because it can and will impact our readers. Using Wes' example. the systems that Meta and so forth are requesting access to in the EU, work the same way that they do in the US. Meta being able to dismantle privacy protections, globally, because of info that they request in the EU seems ludicrous, and shouldn't be allowed.
I live in the UK and support Apple in this. They should pull out of the eurozone market, to hell with whatever financial loss that incurs. And people wonder why we voted for Brexit!?
Right you are! I totally understood Brexit and never heard an argument against it that made any sense.
Apart from literally everything that has happened to Britain since Brexit — and that everybody told the Brexiteers was going to happen — there isn't much good argument to be had, I suppose.
There's a real simple solution here: Apple should just make a separate model, the iPhone eu, sold only in the EU, with it's own version of iOSeu, that has no privacy protections, very few features, and complies with their stupid DMA, but doesn't give away any intellectual property. When it becomes riddled with bugs, malware, spyware, let it crash and burn.
When they see the rest of Apple's customers worldwide moving on, EU customers will have to make their choice, and remove those responsible for this obnoxious DMA policy, and repeal or modify the DMA to be more practical.
The issue with this approach is that they will have to fork iOS development again. I already wonder if there aren't already too many iOS versions that Apple uses for itself. And, what would be the point of offering new hardware?
The fork is coming not because Apple wants to, but it will have to. It was nice while it lasted, but you’re gonna have to have different devices for a different regions of the world.
There's a middle ground here, but the EU isn't interested in hearing about how the technology works or what compromises can be made. They write laws in a vacuum without understanding what they ask for and bend to the will of other's complaints outside of Apple.
Is the EU operating at the level presented in articles?
Apple signed a memorandum on a common charger to reduce e-waste. It then did nothing for 15 years causing a lot of waste. Apple could have kept Lightning outside EU and even in the EU if it just also had USB-C so both could be used or if Lightning didn't allow charging. All the options for not doing harm to the planet or users. Apple did nothing.
Apple blocked NFC access from other payment solutions making Apple Pay look better. Classic antitrust. EU didn't ask for Apple to break the on-device Secure Enclave or divest Apple Pay. EU worked with Apple to allow for apps to use NFC HCE where card details are stored in the cloud like on Android since 2013. Apple is in full control over the API.
EU didn't block Apple from selling apps but demanded an alternative "app store" due to antitrust. Don't install and you have a normal secure iPhone. Install and Apple will still notarize the apps and get paid for the platform. Was that completely unhinged and a "EU will never listen"?
Apple block 3rd party headphones and speakers from being controlled by hardware buttons giving AirPods, Beats, and HomePods an advantage that really is hard to defend. We then get the most whining headline "EU will force Apple to totally expose its iPhone features". Eh... no it won't and never has.
Comments
As to Spotify vs Apple, you have to explain to me how you can compare a music service to Apple? Even if Spotify is a major player (next to Apple Music), it is a duo-poly but not a gatekeeper. I recommend you really looking up that definition in how the EU has drafted this. Big difference. It would be crazy for the EU to have problems with the music duopoly. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, Airbus and Boeing; also examples of two global companies having a duopoly in the EU. All allowed.
I'm especially flabbergasted why Americans are so hung up on what the EU demands. It is non of your business, but for some reason Americans think they are at the center of the world and the rest needs to adhere to their values. America is by far the most corrupt nation in the world, morally and financially, and we do not have to play by your rules.
So far nothing of what the EU has demanded has impacted you in the US when using your phone or its software.
Perhaps rather worry about the rapid dismantling of what is left of your democracy?
That is the whole reason for all of this.
There is no problem with IP. There is a problem with how it used to degrade the experience of competing products.
IP is everywhere. A lot of it is provided completely free. You know, printing involves IP!
One of the MAJOR design considerations at the birth of OS X was that no software would be allowed to speak to hardware directly. OS X would be the literal gatekeeper and that (at least on paper) brought system stability. It's all IP.
Music playback is IP.
Video playback is IP.
Text and image display is IP.
Wi-Fi isn't an Apple thing. Apple is paying royalties to implement it. Other people's IP. So are other manufacturers. Limiting the experience for devices from third party vendors is anti-competitive and that is how the EC sees it.
The same applies to 'pairing' and the seven other areas that the EC has taken issue with.
Interoperability is a huge issue in competition terms and the EU is rightly pushing for a more level playing field and I will go out on a limb here and say that other areas around the world are likely to follow suit and implement similar requirements.
No one is telling Apple to open its IP to the world. The requirements is very limited and absolutely necessary.
Hopefully we might eventually see an autonomous EU initiative to manage core aspects of daily life on mobile.
The EU is full of ex 'monopoly' companies that have (for many years now) been obliged to open up for interoperability and provide infrastructure/services etc to competitors.
The resulting competition has been a boon for consumers. Spain's Telefonica just this year requested that its obligations to share infrastructure be lifted because (in its view) the playing field has been leveled. The Spanish government rejected the request.
It's one thing to push Apple to allow something that is otherwise harmless and the result of old thinking, see emulators. It's another entirely to force Apple to allow companies access to sensitive data in the name of interoperability. Meta is asking the EU for this stuff so it can track users when they switch Wi-Fi networks. Creepy. Notification allowances enable third-parties to read every app and message notification that goes to your device.
I believe Apple should open up notifications and give users a choice, but warn them that they are exposing all of their notification data to third parties like Samsung or Google. There's a middle ground here, but the EU isn't interested in hearing about how the technology works or what compromises can be made. They write laws in a vacuum without understanding what they ask for and bend to the will of other's complaints outside of Apple.
It's just not how it should work. That's the problem. Regulation isn't an issue and can be useful to consumers. But it doesn't seem like that's what the interest of the DMA is.
Anyway, we, meaning AppleInsider, care about this 1) because we aren't just a US site and 2) because it can and will impact our readers. Using Wes' example. the systems that Meta and so forth are requesting access to in the EU, work the same way that they do in the US. Meta being able to dismantle privacy protections, globally, because of info that they request in the EU seems ludicrous, and shouldn't be allowed.
Is the EU operating at the level presented in articles?