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Apple can be forced to open Siri

Translate from : Apple kan tvinges til at åbne Siri

The new EU rules, designed to ensure fair and open platforms, have already had a major impact on Apple in several significant areas. In particular, Apple is now being forced to allow third-party app stores on its iOS devices, like the iPhone, that compete with its own official App Store.

Now, however, the EU government has gone a step further. Indeed, it has initiated its first process to help Apple comply with its interoperability obligations enforced under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The process consists of two specific process parts. One concerns how iOS devices work with other connected devices such as Wearables. The other concerns compatibility with iOS devices and third-party developer products.

"Today is the first time we are using our specification procedures under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," EU Commission Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

"We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this. "This process will provide clarity for developers, third parties and Apple" , continued Vestager. "We will continue our dialogue with Apple and consult with third parties to ensure that the proposed measures work in practice and meet business needs."

The DMA is an EU regulation that aims to ensure that large technology companies provide open and fair platforms to promote competition in the market. According to the Commission's latest actions, Apple violates the DMA in two significant areas.

"The first process relates to 'iOS connectivity features and functionalities primarily used for and by connected devices,'" it says. These devices are described as essentially Wearables, such as smartwatches, headphones and virtual reality headsets. The DG wants Apple to be more open with the interoperability between iOS devices, such as the iPhone, and non-Apple Wearables.

The Commission specifically mentions that iOS functionalities such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity with these third-party devices need to be improved by Apple.

The second process targets interoperability requests from third-party developers on iOS and iPadOS. According to the Commission, the request process must be 'transparent, timely and fair'. It seems the EU wants Apple to give more developer access to app developers who want to integrate iOS features like Siri and Apple Pay into their software. Today, third-party developer access to some of these features is either very limited or completely restricted.

According to the DMA, Apple has six months to deal with these questions from the European Commission. If the company does not comply, the EU can fine Apple up to 10% of its annual global turnover.