The iPad system will be under the scrutiny of regulators in the EU

The DMA regulation, which officially came into force this March, originally included twenty-two major digital platforms to be regulated. These were, for example, social networks or internet browsers from Microsoft, Meta Platforms or ByteDance, which runs TikTok.

Apple was also on the list for a number of its products, such as the iOS operating system used by iPhones, the Safari web browser and the App Store. The inclusion of the iPadOS platform means that the American technology giant will be under even greater scrutiny from regulators.

“You are not complying with the regulation.” The EC has launched an investigation into Google, Apple and Meta

Internet and PC

Apple wants to cooperate

However, Apple representatives emphasized that they will continue to “work constructively with the European Commission to ensure that all services and products comply with the new DMA rules.”

Apple has already made a number of changes to its products due to DMA. For example, the company’s representatives promised to greatly simplify the process of transition from the iPhone to competing smartphones with the Android operating system from Google. This should happen from this fall.

Nowadays, there are already applications from Google that allow data transfer from iPhone to Android. However, these programs usually cannot cope with the transfer of some data.

Apple is planning other changes that will come before the mentioned tool for switching between platforms. For example, the American technology giant wants to implement a feature for easier data transfer between web browsers on the same device, which is one of the other DMA requirements aimed at increasing competition between browsers.

This feature should be available before the end of this year, at the beginning of 2025 at the latest.

Payments and applications

This year, Apple has already adopted some changes due to pressure from the European Union (EU). For example, it allowed applications to be installed on iPhones from sources other than the official AppStore.

Another change is the enabling of alternative payment systems. Thus, users will no longer have to use only solutions from Apple, but will be able to make payments directly in games and other applications. Ultimately, it should benefit the users themselves, who will not have to pay additional fees directly to Apple.

What is DSA and DMA?

In 2023, two new laws came into effect, which are referred to as a whip for internet giants. These are namely the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

While the DSA aims to ensure transparency, user safety and accountability for online platforms, the DMA is a competition law setting clear rules by which large online platforms can operate.

Both pieces of legislation will understandably have a significant impact on business across Europe and probably the world as they set new standards for digital consumer business.