Last week, a new episode in the battle waged from Brussels against big technology companies like Apple. Once again, to the detriment of the already famous DMA (Digital Markets Law) which came into force in March and which has already changed iPhones forever with the requirement to open alternative stores to the App Store and many other changes brought with iOS 17.4.
In a statement, the European Commission confirmed that it had already warned Apple of non-compliance with certain parts of the regulation deemed essential. They are talking about open your operating systems to third partiesalthough in a somewhat abstract way.
Europe calls for iOS and iPadOS ‘interoperability’ with third parties
Despite all the changes Apple has already made, the European Commission has already warned several times that this is not enough. They did so after the launch of iOS 17.4, warning that the changes were not enough and that they would begin a thorough investigation. Later, identical requests were launched for the iPad, whose operating system had been exempt until then.
In late August, we also learned of other impositions such as the possibility of removing the App Store and other essential iOS apps and what is coming now is the imposition of “provide free and efficient interoperability to developers and third parties”.
The department headed by Commissioner Margrethe Vestager speaks of the connected devices and it could be related to the restrictions that iOS and iPadOS offer against third-party accessories. Take, for example, a smartwatch from another manufacturer and the difficulty it entails in accessing the device’s notifications, as well as Siri commands.
Third-party interoperability with iPhone and iPad operating systems is the key concept of the European Commission’s statement. However, They do not specify the specific requirement for Apple. In fact, they still don’t understand the procedure to follow.
What the European Commission is making very clear is the deadlines, given that a six-month period now opens continue the investigation and transmit its preliminary findings to Apple. After that, the highest European institution wants the Californians to adopt the necessary measures so that their operating systems can remain legal in the member countries.
Europe still hasn’t picked the Apple Intelligence daisy
On the other hand, there is nothing on Apple Intelligence. The diligence opened by Europe has nothing to do with artificial intelligence and for the moment there is absolute secrecy both at Apple and in European establishments about Will Apple’s Native AI Be Available on European iPhones or Not?. An AI that, we remember, is the main reason for the sale of the new iPhone 16 worldwide, but which in European countries is not even mentioned when talking about features.
Many are rightly wondering when Apple Intelligence will be available in USA and the rest of the European Union countries. And the truth is that So far we only know that the Spanish language will be available in 2025.which does not imply in any way that you have to arrive in USA. While it is true that there are signs of optimism, this has not yet been communicated.
Yes, in July there was a joint statement by the European Commission and the trade and judicial bodies of the United States and the United Kingdom, in which they warned of their intentions to collaborate so that major innovations in artificial intelligence are available in all territories. This has somehow been interpreted as a green light for Apple Intelligence, but the conditions and especially the deadlines remain to be seen.
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