EU Directs Apple to Enable iOS Notification Access and Allow Alternatives to AirDrop and AirPlay on iPhones

Update: Apple has issued a strong statement to DMN in response to the EU’s recent announcement, effectively opposing the decision.

The European Union (EU) has advanced its Digital Markets Act specifications in relation to Apple’s iPhone interoperability with third-party devices such as smartwatches and headphones, as highlighted in their announcement last fall.

Today’s update specifies the exact third-party integrations that the EU Commission expects Apple to adopt. This encompasses providing third-party devices with access to iOS notifications and creating competitive alternatives to features like AirDrop file transfer and AirPlay streaming.

The list of required features from the EU Commission is extensive, indicating that any new Apple features for first-party hardware must also be accessible to third-party companies.

These measures center on enhancing iOS connectivity capabilities. This includes granting connected devices, such as third-party smartwatches, complete access to the iOS notification system and background execution permissions, akin to the interaction between the Apple Watch and iPhone.

Manufacturers of headphones will be permitted access to system features that facilitate AirPods functionality, including proximity auto-pairing and automatic audio switching. Additionally, other connected devices must develop comparable functionalities to system services like AirDrop and AirPlay.

Other stipulations require automatic access to Wi-Fi networking details for accessories, enablement of high-bandwidth peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, and opening the NFC chip for data communication, such as user payment information, with third-party connected devices.

However, the implications of this decision extend beyond these specific instances. The EU has clearly stated that it anticipates all features provided by Apple to support interoperability without charge for any connected device. Furthermore, the EU expects that relevant frameworks and APIs be released simultaneously with their introduction into the Apple platform; third-party access cannot be delayed.

In partnership with Apple, the EU has outlined a timeline for implementing the aforementioned features. Third-party support for iOS notifications is expected to enter beta by the end of this year, with full implementation projected for 2026. Similar timelines are anticipated for proximity pairing, background execution, and other specified features, with media casting alternatives expected by the end of 2026. Overall, it appears that a significant portion of this support will be integrated into iOS 19, with complete availability assured by iOS 20 at the latest.