In announcing the EC’s actions, EVP Ribera attempted to depoliticise the regulator's decisions, aiming to potentially pre-empt retaliation from the US
The EC has issued a final decision in its specifications proceedings with Apple alongside preliminary findings that Google is not complying with the DMA
On 19 March 2025, the EC announced two updates on its ongoing implementation and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In relation to the specification proceedings opened on Apple’s compliance with interoperability standards for its iOS and iPadOS operating systems in September 2024, the EC published its decisions on how the tech firm must provide access to a number of hardware and software features within its ecosystem along with standards for the process by which the firm will need to handle third-party interoperability requests. The EC also published its preliminary findings on its pending investigation into Google, stating its initial view that both Google Search and the Google Play app store operate in violation of the DMA. While the expected fining decisions on other pending DMA cases into Apple and Meta remain outstanding, Teresa Ribera (EVP for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, EC) stressed that the EC’s priority continues to be promoting compliance. Her framing of the actions in terms of regulatory certainty and fairness in the market also provided an indirect response to the ongoing and emboldened criticism of the Trump Administration in the US on the alleged discriminatory treatment of US tech firms by the EU’s digital rulebook.
Apple will be obligated to follow new guidance or face fines
Through two specification decisions, the EC issued binding obligations to Apple to implement interoperable functionality for features through both iOS and iPadOS, and to improve the transparency, timeliness and effectiveness in processing interoperability requests from third-party developers. The regulator identified nine connectivity features for which Apple will have to improve interoperability with third-party connected devices, such as smartwatches, headphones or TVs. The EC assigned each of these features a specific implementation timeline, although most will have to be functional by the end of 2026. Apple is required to enable interoperability of these features free of charge to third parties and ensure they remain equally effective compared to those available to Apple without introducing new points of friction for end users. For developers submitting interoperability requests to Apple, the EC will also require the firm to assess the eligibility of a request within 20 days, communicate a project plan for solution development within 40 days and ultimately launch a solution within a maximum of 24 months. Apple will also need to establish a path by which developers can obtain technical references on software and hardware features in the firm’s operating systems and publish annual reports on interoperability requests received and compliance with the measures set out by the EC. While a specification proceeding does not assess the compliance of relevant services with the DMA, Apple is nonetheless required to follow the guidance set out in the decisions and could face a further enforcement action, including fines, if it fails to adopt the prescribed measures.
Google Search and Google Play were both provisionally found to be violating the DMA, though a final decision is unlikely on the EC’s original timeline
The EC also published its preliminary findings in its non-compliance investigation into Google regarding its Google Search and Google Play services. As the globally dominant firm in general search services, Google was found to preference its own offerings, including Google Flights and Google Shopping, by providing them greater prominence and enhanced visual formats among search results. The EC also found that Google Play is violating anti-steering provisions in preventing developers from directing consumers to external distribution channels and is charging unjustifiable fees to developers for the initial acquisition of consumers through the app store. These findings come nearly one year after the EC first opened an investigation into Google and are significantly delayed compared to the preliminary findings issued to Apple and Meta in their non-compliance cases, which were opened at the same time. While the EC originally stated its plans to conclude all three of these proceedings within 12 months (by the end of March 2025), it appears unlikely that this investigation into Google will finish within that timeframe, although final decisions – including any fines – are expected to be released this month in the Apple and Meta cases.
