I have a unique lifestyle. Constantly switching between different smartphone platforms, I wish it were easier to share files between Apple and Android devices. My ears perked up when I saw the European Commission ask Apple to open up AirDrop.
Under the guise of promotion “Efficient collaboration” within the smartphone industry Through the Digital Marketing Act (DMA), the European Commission asked Apple to open the gates of its walled garden a bit more to allow Android users and anyone who wants access to play inside for a period of time.– writing board–
“Preliminary findings in the first regulatory proceeding outline proposed measures that the Commission considers Apple should take to effectively meet its interoperability obligations related to a number of iOS connectivity features. This is mainly used for and by connected devices. These could be notifications, automatic Wi-Fi connections, AirPlay, AirDrop, or automatic Bluetooth audio switching.”
This proposal was first created. in September But today the European Commission is more specific about what it wants to open. It mentions notifications, Wi-Fi connectivity, audio toggles, Bluetooth, and AirDrop, which are Apple's ecosystem's biggest claims to fame and its most proprietary offerings.
In the “interoperability” report, Apple responded that “it's a private matter.” The company alleged that the DMA's suggestion would open up the platform in a way that makes “Users are at risk. It requires them to turn on their most sensitive devices and data. to companies that have a history of violating their privacy.”
The company clearly describes Meta and its features in a PDF published on Apple's developer website. which you can read Full amount:
“If Apple were to allow all of these requests, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could enable Meta to read all messages and emails on users' devices. View every call made or received. Track every app they use Scan all pictures View files and calendar events It records all passwords, and more. This is information that Apple itself chooses not to have access to in order to provide the strongest possible protection to its users.”
Apple has confirmed that it will allow users to decide whether to share certain data that is necessary for a particular user experience. It says what the DMA is requesting could result in companies like Meta gaining “unfettered access to users' devices and most of their personal data.” Apple said Meta has requested access to features such as AirPlay, App Intents, CarPlay, iPhone Mirroring and Continuity Camera
Apple is great at marketing itself as a user-first company. I don't like opening up Android to all third-party players either. I believe that if we parted ways We will be better and safer.
But this appears to be something Apple can offer in some way. For example, Android uses Google Cast and Quick Share to switch streams and files between devices. I don't need access to AirPlay and AirDrop, Apple's equivalent platforms, to get that experience. I want Apple to allow that kind of third-party use. Most streaming apps, even on iOS, default to Google Cast if there's an available device on the network.
The EU Commission's next step is to carefully “evaluate” the comments provided by Apple and other “stakeholders.” It has about six months to consider all of this and determine how Apple should act in a way that it deems fair to all users. Personally, I'm curious to see how this story ends. If it made it easier to send photos to Android devices, I might have trouble viewing the photos from Apple's perspective.