Your Android smartwatch could soon work much better on iPhone, thanks to the EU

Another EU headache for Apple, but a potential win for consumer choice

· TechRadar

News By Stephen Warwick published 19 September 2024

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

The European Commission has started proceedings to help Apple comply with the interoperability obligations of its Digital Markets Act, a move that Apple warns could put European consumers at risk. 

The EC announced Thursday that it has started two specification proceedings "to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability obligations under the DMA." 

Specifically, the EC is taking action in two key areas. The second deals with how Apple handles interoperability requests made by developers and third-party apps so that they can interact better with Apple's ecosystem. 

However, it's the first initiative that has caught our eye. The EC is looking at "several iOS connectivity features and functionalities, predominantly used for and by connected devices." 

The block specifically names smartwatches, as well as headphones and VR headsets, as devices dependent on effective interoperability with smartphones and their operating systems.

The release says proceedings will "specify how Apple will provide effective interoperability with functionalities such as notifications, device pairing, and connectivity," implying that Apple is currently lacking in this area and needs to improve. This could be great news for users of Android smartwatches, but Apple doesn't seem impressed. 

Another EU headache for Apple

In a statement to TechRadar, Apple said, "We’re proud of the fact that we’ve built over 250,000 APIs that allow developers to build apps that access our operating system and functionalities in a way that ensures users' privacy and security. To comply with the DMA, we’ve also created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users." 

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