Apple has received a new directive from the European Commission, giving them six months to align iPadOS with the DMA regulations. This decision comes after Apple was initially exempt from compliance last September.
While the DMA rules went into effect for iPhones in March 2024, the iPad operating system managed to evade scrutiny due to the lower number of users at that time. However, a qualitative assessment conducted by the commission since September has led to the conclusion that iPads must also adhere to DMA requirements.
Meeting the Standards
Within six months, iPads will need to meet the same standards imposed on iPhones since March. The EU justifies this decision by pointing out that the user base on the iPad operating system is approaching the threshold set last year, with expectations of surpassing it soon. Furthermore, the significant presence of business users on iPadOS has exceeded the threshold multiple times.
The investigation revealed that Apple utilizes its ecosystem to discourage users from switching to other platforms for tablets and locks in business users, especially within certain applications like gaming.
Consequently, iPads must comply with the DMA regulations in the EU, aligning them with the obligations set for iPhones. This move signifies the EU’s commitment to standardizing Apple’s operating systems under one set of rules, correcting the oversight from last year.
Applying the ruling to iPadOS marks the DMA’s first application of qualitative criteria, highlighting its determination to ensure fair competition.
Following the implementation of the DMA, a Nintendo emulator has gained popularity on Apple devices.
