The two new proceedings are meant to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability," according to the EU. | Cath Virginia / The Verge The European Commission has opened new proceedings under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will see the bloc instruct Apple on how it can comply with its interoperability obligations. The two specification proceedings" focused on iOS and iPadOS will conclude within six months.Under DMA, Apple is required to provide third parties free and effective interoperability" with hardware and software features controlled by iOS and iPadOS. Now the EU is going to help Apple understand what that specifically means.Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," said outgoing EU competition chief Margrethe... Continue reading...

Cath Virginia / The Verge The European Union has accused Apple of unlawfully discriminating against EU customers after finding the Cupertino company's geo-blocking measures may be violating the bloc's consumer protection rules.Announced via a press release on Tuesday, the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) said a joint investigation had identified several potentially prohibited geo-blocking practices" that Apple applies to its App Store, iTunes Store, Arcade, Books. Podcasts, and Apple Music services. Issues include restricting consumers to payment methods issued in the same country where their Apple account was registered, preventing app downloads offered in other EU/EEA countries, and having restrictive, region-specific... Continue reading...