The European Union’s antitrust authorities are set to assess whether Apple’s iPadOS aligns with legislation aimed at curbing the influence of major tech companies. This decision, announced by the European Commission, the EU’s primary industry regulator, follows Apple’s recent report on iPadOS compliance with local laws.
EU’s Regulatory Focus on iPadOS Compliance
The European Commission, which upholds fair market competition within the EU, has made clear that it will now closely examine Apple’s adherence to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission initially acknowledged iPadOS as a key platform for business-to-customer communication in April, recognizing its role in connecting enterprises with their customers.
According to a statement by the Commission, “The Commission will now carefully assess the effectiveness of the measures taken for the iPad operating system in order to comply with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission’s assessment will also be based on the input of stakeholders.” This analysis will focus on whether the operational changes Apple has made meet the DMA’s mandates.
Potential Implications and Apple’s Obligations Under DMA
Under the DMA, Apple must enable users to switch the default browser on their iPads, open access to third-party digital content stores within iPadOS, and ensure compatibility with third-party headphones and styluses. Failure to adhere to these regulations could lead to hefty penalties, potentially up to 10% of Apple’s global annual revenue.
As of now, Apple has not publicly commented on this pending review, notes NIX Solutions. We’ll keep you updated on any developments related to this compliance assessment and any potential impact it may have on iPad users.
This review marks a significant move by the EU to ensure that tech giants, including Apple, adhere to fair competition practices within the European market.