Tag: Digital Markets Act

  • European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    European Union Lacks iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay in iOS 18.4

    Key Takeaways

    1. iOS 18.4 introduces new features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages for beta testers.
    2. iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing are not available for users in the EU due to regulatory uncertainties.
    3. Apple cites concerns over the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regarding user privacy and data security as reasons for the feature limitations.
    4. The DMA has previously impacted Apple, forcing changes like the switch from Lightning to USB-C for the iPhone 15.
    5. It is uncertain if iPhone Mirroring will be available in iOS 19, leaving EU users without this feature for now.

    With the upcoming launch of iOS 18.4, iPhone users, especially those in the European Union (EU), are eagerly anticipating some long-awaited additions. Sadly, EU users must wait a bit longer for one of these features.

    New Release Candidate Details

    The latest Release Candidate for iOS 18.4 was made available on Monday for beta testers. This update brought enhancements to Apple Intelligence, adding features like priority notifications and support for non-English languages. However, EU users observed that iPhone Mirroring is still not accessible. Additionally, SharePlay Screen Sharing, which permits FaceTime users to share their screens, is also absent.

    Apple’s Explanation

    Apple has explained that the lack of iPhone Mirroring in the EU is due to “regulatory uncertainties,” a rather vague justification. Last June, the company pointed to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), expressing concerns:

    We worry that the interoperability requirements of the DMA might force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that could endanger user privacy and data security.

    It seems Apple is sticking to its stance on this matter. Given that Apple’s practices have been a key focus of the DMA, the company is probably being cautious about certain features. The DMA is the law that famously compelled Apple to replace its Lightning connector with USB-C in the iPhone 15 (which can be found renewed on Amazon for $487.34).

    Future Outlook

    It is unclear whether iPhone Mirroring will eventually be available with iOS 19, which is anticipated to bring significant changes to Apple’s mobile operating system. For the time being, iPhone users in the EU will have to make do without this particular feature.

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  • EU Might Compel Apple to Allow Users to Delete Photos App

    EU Might Compel Apple to Allow Users to Delete Photos App

    Apple could potentially undergo significant changes to its iPhones as the European Union (EU) pushes for increased compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aiming to create a more competitive app environment.

    EU's Push for App Uninstallation, Security Concerns

    The EU is specifically targeting Apple's Photos app, proposing that users should have the ability to uninstall any app, even core system apps like Photos. This requirement has raised concerns due to Photos' deep integration within iOS, providing access control to other apps and serving as the primary image library. It also plays a crucial role in interacting with iCloud for storage and sharing capabilities.

    Calls for Third-Party System Image Libraries

    EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager suggests that Apple should allow third-party apps to function as the system image library. However, experts highlight the complexities involved in such a transition, potentially necessitating significant changes to iOS.

    Apple has already made some adjustments to comply with the DMA, including offering alternative app store options. Despite this, the European Commission (EC) contends that more needs to be done, particularly focusing on Apple's "anti-steering" practices and fees related to alternate app stores.

    Uncertainty Surrounding Photos Uninstallation

    While Vestager's remarks specifically mention the Photos app, it remains uncertain if the EC will rigorously enforce this requirement. Some argue that enabling the uninstallation of Photos could pose challenges, potentially leading to inadvertent data loss.

    The EU has also expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's current browser choice screen, implemented to adhere to the DMA. Vestager criticizes the lack of transparency in user decision-making, possibly due to the limited list of browsers displayed alongside Safari.

    The ongoing discussions between the EU and Apple regarding DMA compliance are expected to persist. As the EU emphasizes the importance of an open ecosystem, concerns linger regarding the potential implications on user experience and data security.

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