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Apple now has to become more like Android, and the company hates it

Apple now has to become more like Android, and the company hates it

  • 19.03.2025 19:10
  • androidauthority.com
  • Keywords: Apple, Android

The EU is forcing Apple to make its ecosystem more open by allowing third-party smartwatches and apps greater access to iPhone features under the Digital Markets Act. These changes aim to bring iOS functionality closer to Android’s openness, which Apple strongly opposes.

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Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

The European Commission has mandated that Apple make nine key interoperability features available on iOS to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These include enabling third-party connected devices to access notifications, allow background app execution, NFC communication, Wi-Fi file transfers, and media casting similar to AirPlay. Apple is required to open up its ecosystem for deeper integration of third-party products, giving EU users more choices. The changes will bring functionality closer to what Android users currently enjoy with diverse smartwatch compatibility and background app functions.

Android

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

The article highlights that the new requirements for Apple's iOS will bring functionality closer to what Android users already enjoy, such as diverse smartwatch compatibility and background app functions. This suggests a positive impact on competition and consumer choice.

Context

Analysis of Apple's Compliance with EU DMA Requirements

Key Requirements

  • Nine interoperability features must be made available on iOS by Apple:
    • Third-party smartwatches can display and interact with iOS notifications.
    • Background app execution for syncing data (e.g., weather) without foreground apps.
    • Automatic audio switching between devices.
    • Wi-Fi connection setup and configuration for connected devices.
    • Proximity-triggered pairing for device connections.
    • High-bandwidth peer-to-peer Wi-Fi file sharing.
    • Close-range wireless file transfers similar to AirDrop.
    • Media casting alternatives to AirPlay.
    • NFC communication in Reader/Writer mode for apps.

Timeline

  • iOS notifications and proximity pairing: Available in iOS betas by end of 2025, fully implemented by June 1, 2026.
  • Background execution: Specific actions required for iOS 19 or later by end of 2025; full implementation by end of 2026.

Apple's Response

  • Apple views the requirements as burdensome, stating they slow innovation and force sharing of new features without reciprocity.
  • The company will comply but believes these changes are detrimental to users and competition.

Market Dynamics

  • iOS moving toward Android-like openness: Features now mandated align with Android's open ecosystem, offering more consumer choice (e.g., diverse smartwatch options).
  • Potential shift in user experience: Third-party devices may offer comparable functionality to Apple-branded accessories, reducing ecosystem lock-in.

Competitive Landscape

  • Third-party developers benefit: Easier access to iOS features could foster innovation and competition.
  • Smartwatch market impact: May increase competition with Apple Watch, offering users alternatives.

Long-term Effects

  • Innovation incentives: Forced sharing may reduce Apple's incentive to innovate, potentially stifling advancements.
  • Ecosystem fragmentation: Could lead to a fragmented experience as third-party devices integrate more deeply.

Regulatory Impact

  • Compliance costs: Apple faces increased development and maintenance expenses to meet EU requirements.
  • Global implications: While DMA applies only to the EU, it may influence global market dynamics if other regions follow suit.

This analysis highlights the significant business and market changes resulting from the EU's mandate, emphasizing both opportunities and challenges for Apple and its competitors.