📰 Apple vs. The EU: iOS 19 and iOS 20 Set for Major Changes Under Digital Markets Act

Apple vs. The EU: iOS 19 and iOS 20 Set for Major Changes Under Digital Markets Act​

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Apple is facing another regulatory showdown in Europe, as the European Commission has laid out new legal requirements for iOS 19 and iOS 20 under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes aim to open up Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem, giving third-party devices and developers more access to key iPhone features. However, Apple is not happy about it, calling the measures a burden that will slow down innovation.

What’s Changing in iOS 19 and iOS 20?​

The EU’s ruling means Apple must make iOS more interoperable with third-party devices. This includes:
• Third-Party Smartwatches & Notifications – By the end of 2025, non-Apple smartwatches must be able to display and interact with iOS notifications.
• Audio Switching for Third-Party Headphones – By June 2026, automatic audio switching (currently exclusive to AirPods and Beats) must work with other headphones.
• AirDrop Alternatives – Apple must allow third-party AirDrop-like file-sharing solutions by mid-2026.
• AirPlay Alternatives – By the release of iOS 20 (expected in September 2026), Apple must enable third-party AirPlay alternatives for media streaming.

These changes will fundamentally reshape how iPhones work with non-Apple products, something the EU sees as necessary for fair competition.

Apple Fights Back​

Apple has made its opposition clear, stating that these rules are bad for both its products and European users. The company argues that the DMA forces it to give away valuable features for free to competitors who aren’t subject to the same rules.

Apple also warns that some companies could exploit the new requirements to gain access to user data. They specifically called out Meta in a December 2024 report, expressing concerns over data privacy risks, including unencrypted access to notifications and Wi-Fi details.

“Today's decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple's ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don't have to play by the same rules” Apple said in a statement.

Despite these concerns, Apple has dedicated 500 engineers to ensure compliance with the DMA, even launching a portal for developers to request interoperability with iOS and iPadOS.

What This Means for EU Apple Users​

For users in the EU, these changes mean more options when it comes to choosing smartwatches, headphones, and file-sharing services. The iPhone will no longer be as locked into Apple’s ecosystem, making it easier to mix and match devices from different brands.

However, Apple’s resistance suggests that these updates won’t come without friction. The company is likely to implement them in ways that maintain as much control as possible.

With iOS 19 set to be announced at WWDC 2025 in June, and iOS 20 following in 2026, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how Apple responds.


Credit: MacRumors

 

[ThatTechyGuy]

You can read the full Interoperability Q&A from the EU here:

Interoperability

Interoperability - Apple 6(7) specifications

digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu

 

[scifan57]

You can read the full Interoperability Q&A from the EU here:

Interoperability

Interoperability - Apple 6(7) specifications

digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu

I wouldn’t be surprised if the EU eventually requires all devices made by any manufacturer to run the same operating system, with lessened security due to sharing of data.

 

[ThatTechyGuy]

I wouldn’t be surprised if the EU eventually requires all devices made by any manufacturer to run the same operating system, with lessened security due to sharing of data.

That would be something, iPhone's running Android, and Apple forced to let Androids run iOS!

 

[scifan57]

The problem with the EU is that they’re telling the tech companies how to design and innovate.