The EU previously asked Apple toMust open up its software functional ecosystem, allowing Android devices to connect with iPhone devices. However, due to the tough stance of both parties, it may lead to the fact that future functions including AirDrop, AirPlay, or quick pairing between Apple products will not be able to be used within the EU.
Prior to this, the EU required Apple to provide third-party companies with the same functions as its products, including AirDrop and AirPlay APIs, so that third-party operating systems including Android can easily interact with Apple devices, including transferring file content.
Features like AirPods' ability to quickly connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth, and even seamlessly switch between Apple devices, may need to be made available to operating systems like Android in the future. This will also allow many third-party accessories to connect and be set up as soon as the device is close, just like Apple accessories, without having to go through numerous functional interface operations.
But from AppleCurrent statement results, emphasizing that its convenient wireless collaborative operation experience is a unique experience of Apple products, and the EU’s requirements will affect its innovation and produce unreasonable and high-cost impacts, and may even cause damage to the privacy security and product usage experience of Apple users in the EU. Therefore, it decided to appeal to the EU to protect the rights of its users.
However, if the EU ultimately requires Apple to open up its software function ecosystem on the grounds that it has violated the Digital Markets Act, Apple may follow its past practices and impose different software function usage restrictions in the EU, which may result in users in the EU being unable to use convenient functions such as AirDrop, AirPlay, and quick device pairing.
