Streaming: AirPlay in iOS 27 no longer the only protocol
The audio and video transmission from iOS is currently limited to Apple's software. EU pressure could change that in the foreseeable future.
Speakers with Google Cast.
(Image: Vantage_DS/Shutterstock.com)
With the upcoming version of iOS, Apple plans to open up its local streaming protocols. This is reported by the financial news agency Bloomberg. According to informed circles, Apple is not doing this voluntarily but is fulfilling conditions as part of the European Union's Digital Market Act (DMA). This means: While AirPlay may get competition, the implementation could be limited to people in the EU.
Implementation on command from above
The process is reminiscent of other measures within the DMA, which officials are prescribing to Apple in sometimes astonishingly granular detail – most recently, Apple, represented by its Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer, appeared openly annoyed. Data protection and innovation are “endangered” by the measures. As part of the DMA regulation, Apple already has to release NFC protocols, allow wearables similar to the Apple Watch to connect to the iPhone, or open up various new APIs. Now, AirPlay for audio and video, as well as other content, is apparently next.
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Since only the iPhone and iPad are directly regulated under the DMA – the Mac remains outside – the implementation will likely only affect these devices. According to Bloomberg, third-party AirPlay alternatives should become possible starting with iOS 27 (and likely iPadOS 27). The new systems will be publicly released for the first time in the fall, but it is unclear whether the release will be immediate. One example given is that it should be possible to use Google Cast from an iPhone without an additional app to send content to correspondingly equipped TVs or speakers. This is planned for music and speech, video material, but also photos.
Dispute over “Compliance Plan”
According to Bloomberg, Apple is reacting to the “latest requirements” of the EU Commission with these measures. In January, Apple last complained that in October it had “submitted a compliance plan” to the Commission but had not received a response. It is unknown whether this has changed meanwhile.
Among other things, the company wrote that it was a delaying tactic by the Commission to impose fees on the company, which, naturally, the EU sees completely differently. It is unclear whether AirPlay will also face direct competition on the iPhone and iPad in other regions.
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