Under the so-called normative procedure, the European Commission will clarify how Apple complies with the Digital Markets Directive (DMA), which came into force last year.
“Today is the first time we have used the regulatory procedure under the DMA to guide Apple through a constructive dialogue on the effective implementation of its interoperability obligations,” EU antitrust commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.
The first action targets iOS connectivity features and functionality for smartwatches, earphones, virtual reality headsets and other internet-connected devices, the EU competition enforcer said.
It will specifically explain how Apple provides effective interoperability with features such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity.
The second procedure involves how Apple handles interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS, and the company needs to ensure that the entire process is transparent, timely, and fair.
The Commission aims to complete both proceedings within six months.
Apple said it would continue to work constructively with the committee but also warned of the risks.
“Undermining the protections we have long established would put European consumers at risk and give bad actors more ways to access their devices and data,” the EU said in a statement.
If Apple fails to comply with the DMA, it could face fines of up to 10% of its annual global turnover.
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