Key Takeaways
- The European Union’s enforcement arm said Thursday it’s initiating a pair of “specification proceedings” into whether Apple is complying with its “interoperability obligations” under the Digital Markets Act.
- Apple’s process of allowing third parties to access iOS while developing products like smartwatches and headphones is under review by the European Commission.
- The Commission will conclude the investigation within the next six months, and inform Apple of any changes it needs to make.
The European Commission said Thursday it’s initiating a pair of “specification proceedings” into whether Apple (AAPL) is complying with its “interoperability obligations” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which went into effect earlier this year.
The enforcement arm of the European Union (EU) said it will review Apple’s process of allowing third parties to access iOS while developing products like smartwatches and headphones.
What Is Under EU Review
One investigation will look into how Apple already provides access to its operating system to third-party developers for “several iOS connectivity features and functionalities” for connected devices like smartwatches and headphones. The other investigation is to determine whether Apple’s system of fulfilling requests to access iOS from developers is “transparent, timely, and fair.”
The Commission will provide Apple with its findings while it investigates over the next six months, and lay out any changes it needs to make to comply with the DMA, which could lead to fines if the tech giant refuses to address them.
Apple did not immediately respond to Investopedia request for comment.
Apple shares were up 2% at the opening bell Thursday at $225.08. They have gained about 17% this year.