The changes that Apple must implement in Europe

The European Union has imposed new requests on Apple that will modify the experience of the iPhone and other devices on the continent. These regulations seek to promote Interoperabilitywhich will force the Cupertino Society to allow a greater degree of integration With third part -part products in iOS 19 and iOS 20. Although the company has expressed its disagreement, it will have to comply with orders if you wish to continue to operate on the European market.

These changes respond to Digital market law (DMA), which aims to avoid monopolies and promote competition in the digital field. Apple has already had to give in the past to similar regulations, such as the opening of its application store to alternative options or the adoption of the USB-C port on the most recent iPhone. For more information on this, you can consult changes in the App Store in Europe.

Main modifications that Apple must apply in iOS 19 and 20

Among the changes that the EU required from Apple are several key points that will modify the interaction of the iPhone with other devices and services. Then some of the most relevant:

• Compatibility with intelligent third party watches: So far, Apple Watch has been the only device with total access to iOS notifications. With new rules, brand watches such as Samsung o Garmin They can receive and manage opinions in equal terms. This feature must be implemented before the end of 2025 which could be with iOS 19.2.
• Automatic audio change with headphones not belonging to Apple: Apple must reproduce in the devices of other brands the function which currently allows AirPods to automatically change between an iPhone, an iPad or a Mac. This feature should be available before June 2026 in a future version of iOS 19.
• Airdrop Alternatives Opening: The European Commission has ordered that Apple authorizes the use of technologies File transfer Other than Airdrop in its operating system. This would benefit communication between iPhone and Android or Windows Appliances. The deadline for this implementation will be in mid-2026.
• Compatibility with other similar systems to AirPlay: The regulation also obliges Apple to accept other technologies screen transmission and the multimedia content different from AirPlay. TV brands and other streaming devices could benefit from this change, which must be active before the end of 2026 with iOS 20.

Apple's response to these measures

Apple does not have long to show its dissatisfaction in EU decisions. The company argues that these changes negatively affect the confidentiality and the security From its users, since the opening of its ecosystem to third parties could circulate the information without the protections that IOS currently offers.

In addition, the company indicates that it is forced to share its innovations with competitors without receiving anything in return. According to Apple, these types of regulations do not encourage competition but limit the ability to Innovación In industry. For those who are interested in more details on Apple changes in Europe, this article can be useful.

What impact these changes in users

For European consumers, these changes can assume benefits Y Challenge. On the one hand, users will gain greater freedom of choice by being able to use more accessories and third -part services without restrictions. This interoperability may mean that more manufacturers offer products Optimized For iOS. But there are concerns about the possible Safety problems Y confidentialityespecially in the case of data transmission between devices. In addition, Apple could react by limiting some of its functions in the European region, as it has already done with other characteristics of iOS 18.

The first changes will begin to be implemented in iOS 19, whose official presentation is scheduled for June 2025 at WWDC. Thereafter, iOS 20 will collect the rest of the compulsory adjustments before the deadline imposed by the EU in 2026.