# **Apple’s iOS 20: The Impact of the EU’s Digital Markets Act on the iPhone Ecosystem**
The European Commission is advancing the **Digital Markets Act (DMA)**, imposing new regulations that Apple must adhere to with the introduction of **iOS 20**. Following earlier alterations that permitted **third-party marketplaces**, **alternative payment methods**, and **default app selections**, the EU is now pressuring Apple to enhance **interoperability** among its devices and those from other manufacturers.
This entails that Apple must ensure **non-Apple smartwatches, headphones, and virtual reality (VR) headsets** function more smoothly with iPhones, Apple Watches, and Apple Vision Pro.
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## **New Interoperability Features Arriving in iOS 19 and iOS 20**
The European Commission has recently revealed a set of expectations for Apple to fulfill over the next few years. These modifications will notably influence how **third-party accessories** engage with iPhones.
Here are some principal enhancements Apple will be required to implement:
### **1. Enhanced Compatibility for Third-Party Smartwatches**
– Non-Apple smartwatches will have the capability to receive **push notifications**, including images.
– Users will be able to **respond to notifications** directly from third-party smartwatches.
– This mitigates a long-standing concern, as **Pebble’s creator** has previously voiced dissatisfaction regarding the lack of adequate iPhone integration for third-party smartwatches.
### **2. Simplified Pairing for Non-Apple Devices**
– Apple will need to streamline the pairing process for **third-party headphones and smartwatches**.
– At present, Apple’s ecosystem predominantly favors **AirPods and Apple Watch**, complicating the setup and use of non-Apple accessories for users.
### **3. Quicker and More Dependable Data Transfers for VR Headsets**
– Virtual reality headsets will experience **improved and faster data connections** with iPhones.
– This could enhance the user experience for **Meta Quest** and other VR devices that depend on iPhone connectivity.
### **4. Alternative Options to AirDrop and AirPlay**
– Apple will need to permit **third-party file-sharing and streaming applications** to integrate more comprehensively with iOS.
– This might imply improved support for **Google’s Nearby Share** or other cross-platform alternatives.
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## **When Will These Features Be Accessible?**
Apple is anticipated to implement these updates gradually over the next few years. Here’s the projected timeline:
– **Beta Testing (Late 2025):** Some of these features will be accessible in beta versions of **iOS 19.2 or iOS 19.3**.
– **Public Release (Mid-to-Late 2026):** Complete implementation is expected by **iOS 19.4 or iOS 19.5**, with further refinements in **iOS 20.1 and iOS 20.2**.
– **Automatic Audio Switching (2027):** The most intricate feature—**automatic audio switching for non-Apple devices**—is expected to debut by **June 2027**, probably in **iOS 20.4 or iOS 20.5**.
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## **Will These Features Be Accessible Globally?**
Although these updates are mandated by the **EU**, Apple has previously **extended EU-specific features to global audiences**. For instance, Apple’s **third-party app store regulations** were initially implemented for the EU but subsequently influenced global policies.
There’s a chance that some of these **interoperability features** will eventually be available worldwide, but Apple may opt to restrict them to the EU to comply with regulations without impacting its **walled garden ecosystem** in other areas.
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## **What Lies Ahead for Apple and the DMA?**
The **Digital Markets Act** is in constant flux, and Apple is likely to encounter **additional regulatory challenges** in the future. While the company has not explicitly addressed these changes during major events like **WWDC**, it will need to conform to the EU’s requirements to avoid significant penalties.
As we near **iOS 20’s launch in 2026**, it will be intriguing to see how Apple navigates **regulatory obligations** alongside its **long-standing ecosystem strategy**.
Would you want to see these features available globally? Share your thoughts with us! 🚀
