These are several issues that seem very distant, but that indirectly symbolize the power of the European regulator against the digital giants and, in particular, against the largest of them: Apple. In recent days, the brand has been targeted by the National Frequency Agency for excessive wave emissions from its iPhone 12.
This September 14, the ANFR added that it will not hesitate to inform the other countries of the European Union, the rules relating to waves are shared between all member states. For now, Apple has announced the rollout of an update in France, without mentioning other countries. But that could change: Belgium and Germany are also investigating the iPhone 12 case.
At the same time, Apple introduced its new iPhone, the iPhone 15, as well as its Pro versions on September 12. While some new features are welcome, starting with lower prices, most potential customers will have remembered one essential point: the new Apple devices now support USB-C and can therefore use any smartphone charger. Android.
A logical decision, based on the performances of the USB-C (in terms of charge and transfer of data) for the connection of Apple’s Lightning, used after more than 10 years, but which will serve as inspiration for it ‘European Union. Last year, the European Commission adopted an obligation for Apple to switch its iPhone to USB-C by the end of 2024. Ultimately, this will have been done a year in advance.
Open the ecosystem, by force
But the hardest blow should come in the coming months, with the adoption of the DMA, a text intended to regulate technology giants to better protect competition. The regulation will, in particular, require Apple to open its iOS operating system to competing app stores, along with its App Store. A non-event for Google, which already allows it. But it is a nightmare for Apple, which wants to maintain control of this precious tool and the commissions obtained from the sale of applications and subscriptions at all costs.
And this is not the only sword of Damocles hanging over the head of Tim Cook and his teams. Second, the European Union could also force Apple to open its iMessage app to other messaging apps, so that an iPhone user can use it to communicate with a WhatsApp or Messenger user.
While Apple has always refused to open its precious blue bubbles to competition, European regulations have finally won several battles to standardize its ecosystem, and open it by force. Although no credible European smartphone has yet seen the light, the administration of the Old Continent finally manages to hinder Apple’s endless conquest, perhaps even more than its direct competitors such as Samsung and Google.
Source: BFM TV
