The European Union on Thursday said it is working on steps to make Apple open its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies.
The development comes under the bloc's tough new Digital Markets Act, which threatens tech firms with hefty fines for breaches.
The European Commission, the bloc's executive branch, said it has rolled out two "specification proceedings" against Apple under the 27-nation bloc's DMA, which seeks to prevent Big Tech from dominating digital markets.
Among other means, the Act seeks to do it by breaking up closed tech ecosystems. It also requires tech companies to make their systems operate in tandem with those by rivals, allowing consumers to switch between platforms.
According to the commission, one of the two proceedings will focus on how connected devices like smartwatches and headphones will have "effective interoperability" with Apple's operating system.
The other will focus on the process Apple has set up to address interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and IPadOS, the commission said.
During the process, which may take up to six months, the commission will send its findings to Apple.
It's the first time the commission has used this process since the DMA took effect earlier this year. The bloc is already investigating Apple over its App Store rules for developers.
The commission's executive vice president in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, said, "We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this."
Apple, however, said the EU demands may undermine "the protections we've built over time would put European consumers at risk."
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