DMA: FSFE laments Apple's blockade on interoperability requests

The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) complains in a report that Apple has, in numerous instances, failed to grant developers in the European Union free access to hardware functions controlled by the iOS and iPadOS operating systems, contrary to legal requirements. It cites requests concerning access to Bluetooth Low Energy or Apple Wallet as examples. Apple's justifications, it claims, contradict the company's own developer documentation.

Interoperability means that third-party software can access the same system functions as the platform operator's own apps. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) obliges Apple, as a so-called gatekeeper, to grant such access free of charge and without discrimination. However, instead of making its platform accessible from the outset with open APIs and documentation, Apple has introduced an application-based system: Developers must individually request permission for each desired function, present a paid developer account costing $99 per year, and submit detailed justifications.

Which applications Apple has rejected

The EU Commission subsequently initiated a specification procedure against Apple to compel the company to adopt more transparent processes, including a public inquiry tracker – but even under this framework, according to the FSFE, none of the 56 applications for an interoperability solution have led to a result so far. Apple had already implemented the EU's first interoperability requirements on time in December 2025 – but only those it was legally obliged to. Even if Apple accepts an application, the company has up to 24 months for implementation. Disputes involving objections and arbitration are lengthy, according to the FSFE. The representatives criticize that Apple itself decides which functions fall "within the scope" of the law. Applications are rejected with the reasoning that they are not iOS functions at all, even though Apple uses them for its own services.

One developer applied for access to Just-in-Time compilation (JIT) – a technique that Apple's own Safari browser has been using for years. Apple rejected it: For non-browser apps, this is not an iOS function. Another developer wanted to access the NFC protocol used by Apple Wallet – Apple denied that it was an OS-controlled function, even though the company's own developer documentation requires a special permit for precisely this access. The EU Commission had already obliged Apple to open the NFC controller to third parties so that apps can transmit payment data, for example, to smartwatches. A third application concerned Bluetooth LE Audio for research hardware – rejected with the reasoning that Apple does not use it itself, although Bluetooth Low Energy is part of iOS. Two further applications aimed at alternatives to Apple's push notification service – they were also rejected, as this is allegedly already open.

FSFE advocates for open interfaces

The FSFE advocates for the EU to demand interoperability "by design," meaning open interfaces in the system that can be used without an application process. While Apple has recently announced that it will support third-party wearables in the EU with additional features such as Live Activities – this is still happening within the framework of the application-based system that the FSFE criticizes. Furthermore, there should be no non-disclosure agreements for developers applying for interoperability. This was the case in 27 of the rejected applications. And the EU Commission is urged to enforce the law more strongly.

heise online asked Apple for a statement, but has not yet received an immediate response. In the past, Apple has repeatedly emphasized that the DMA creates an unsuitable, costly process and hinders innovation – and has even put forward alternative proposals to the law.

(mki)