EU to assess if Apple’s iPad OS complies with bloc’s tech rules

BRUSSELS: The European Commission said on Monday that EU antitrust regulators will assess whether Apple’s operating system for iPads complies with the bloc’s landmark rules aimed at reining in Big Tech’s power.

The move by the EU executive, which acts as the bloc’s competition enforcer, followed Apple’s publication of a compliance report for its iPad OS, which the commission designated in April as an important gateway for businesses to reach their customers.

“The Commission will now carefully assess whether the measures adopted for iPad OS are effective in complying with the DMA obligations,” the EU antitrust watchdog said in a statement.

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“The Commission’s assessment will also be based on the input of interested stakeholders,” it said.

Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment

The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into force earlier this year, requires Apple to allow users to set the default web browser of their choice on iPads, permit alternative app stores on its operating system, and allow headphones and smart pens to access iPad OS features.

DMA breaches can cost companies fines as much as 10% of their global annual turnover.