The European Union is moving to force Apple to allow the installation of iOS on other companies’ phones.. Imagine a Galaxy running iOS
The battle between the European Union and big tech continues. Now, Apple is once again in the crosshairs of European regulators, who could force the company to “open up” its iPhone operating system, iOS, so that it can be used by rival companies. Otherwise, Apple could face billions of dollars in fines, which could amount to 10% of the company’s global annual sales.
European regulators are considering creating a new standard under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that aims to ensure operating systems work fully with other companies’ technologies, anonymous sources told Bloomberg .
Although this measure is currently under consideration by the European Commission (EC), its entry into force could completely change the business of Apple, which has been reluctant since its inception to open up its iOS operating system to other manufacturers, with the aim of maintaining more control over the software and hardware of its products.
This wouldn’t be the first major change Apple has been forced into as a result of the DMA. Earlier this year, the iPhone operating system was revolutionized when Apple began allowing third-party app stores to be installed, opening the door to sideloading apps that previously couldn’t be obtained any other way due to Apple’s store policies.
Similarly, Apple is also working on opening up the iPhone's NFC connectivity to support third-party payment services in addition to Apple Pay.
At the moment, neither the European Commission nor Apple have commented on this information, and it is expected that the regulatory body will quietly study the consequences of this new measure before making a decision.