The European Union outlined the actions Apple must take to improve the compatibility of its iPhone and iPad operating systems with competing technologies.

This marks the first time the EU has enforced compliance with its Digital Markets Act (DMA), a digital rulebook introduced last year.

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The European Commission initiated two “specification proceedings” last year to detail the steps Apple needs to follow to meet the DMA requirements. The commission's decision outlined measures to enhance access to Apple’s iOS operating system for third-party devices, such as smartwatches. It also included steps to improve the transparency and efficiency of the process for software developers to request access to iPhone features.

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, stated in a press release that the measures provide “regulatory certainty” for both Apple and developers. She added that "effective interoperability" for third-party devices will offer consumers better choices in the rapidly expanding market for connected devices.

Apple, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming it would harm the company's products and European users. The company argued that the new rules would create unnecessary bureaucracy, slowing innovation in Europe and forcing Apple to give away new features for free to companies not bound by the same regulations. Apple affirmed that it would continue to engage with the European Commission to address its concerns on behalf of users.

The Commission also announced that Google had not done enough to comply with the DMA. Despite some changes, such as removing flight listings, Google continued to prioritize its own services in search results. Additionally, Google failed to allow app developers to direct users to cheaper alternatives outside its Google Play Store, according to preliminary findings.

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In response, Google stated that the EU's findings would require it to make further changes to how search results are displayed, which the company believes would hinder users from finding what they need and reduce traffic to European businesses. Google described this approach as "misguided."