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The European Union mandates Apple to allow rival device manufacturers access to its technology for efficient iOS connectivity.

Non-compliance could lead to penalties amounting to 10% of Apple’s yearly global sales.

The EU has also sent warnings to Google for prioritizing its own services and limiting external offers.

Apple is facing significant challenges once again as the European Commission has instructed the tech giant to open its exclusive ecosystem to other competitors, aligning with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulatory authority aims to mitigate the overpowering influence of major tech companies. As per the ruling, Apple is required to provide competing smartphone, headphones, and virtual reality device manufacturers access to its technology as well as its mobile operating system. This requirement is intended to facilitate seamless connectivity with iPhones and iPads.

A recent report from Reuters highlights that Apple now has to adhere to a more structured procedure and timeline concerning interoperability requests from app developers. This decision came on the heels of a thorough six-month examination by EU regulators to confirm Apple’s adherence to DMA regulations.

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In its defense, Apple has expressed strong criticism regarding this directive, claiming that it will impede innovation and provide an undue advantage to competing firms. “Today’s decisions tie us down with excessive regulations, hampering Apple’s capacity to innovate for our users in Europe and compelling us to offer our latest features at no charge,” Apple stated in a communiqué as reported by Reuters.

In her response, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera emphasized that the ruling is designed to enforce existing laws while providing regulatory clarity for both Apple and developers. She made it clear that failure to adhere to the EU mandate could trigger further investigations and result in fines reaching as high as 10% of Apple’s total global annual sales.

Concurrently, the European Union has also delivered a warning to Google, insisting on compliance with the Digital Markets Act. The EU has accused the tech behemoth of giving preferential treatment to its own services within search results while hindering app developers from directing users to alternative offerings. The EU reiterated that failing to adhere to these legal requirements would initiate severe financial repercussions.