Antitrust regulators in the European Union are set to judge whether or not Apple has done enough to bring its iPad operating system under compliance with rules outlined in the Digital Markets Act.
In March, Apple released iPadOS 17.4, with more than 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, and more. The changes allowed third-party developers to distribute apps outside of Apple’s App Store in the EU, a change Apple begrudgingly made to comply with the Digital Markets App (DMA).
Now, EU regulators are assessing whether or not Apple has gone far enough. The assessment will be based on the input of interested stakeholders.
“Apple must, among others, allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPadOS, allow alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow accessory devices, like headphones and smart pens, to effectively access iPadOS features,” the European Commission said in a statement.
If found to have fallen short, the European Commission could take action against Apple. A breach of the rules can cost Apple up to 10% of its global annual turnover, rising to 20% for repeat offenses.
In June, European Union announced a preliminary finding that Apple was in breach of the Digital Markets Act. It was reported that the tech giant restricts the practice of steering or allowing developers to direct users to their platform of choice rather than using Apple’s first-party App Store.
