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European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

TECH

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech
TECH

TECH

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

2024-09-19 21:21 Last Updated At:21:30

LONDON (AP) — The European Union said Thursday it will outline steps to compel Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the bloc's tough new digital rulebook, which threatens hefty fines for breaches.

The EU's executive branch, the European Commission, said it has opened two “specification proceedings” that will spell out what Apple needs to do under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Markets Act.

The DMA is designed to prevent Big Tech “gatekeepers” from dominating digital markets, including by breaking up closed tech ecosystems. It requires tech companies to make their systems operate with rivals, allowing consumers to switch more easily between platforms.

One proceeding will focus on how connected devices like smartwatches and headphones will have “effective interoperability” with Apple's operating system. The other will look at how Apple deals with interoperability requests from software developers for iOS and IPadOS, which should be done in a "transparent, timely and fair" way, the commission said.

During this process, which will take up to six months, the commission will send its findings to Apple. It’s the first time the commission has used this process since the DMA took effect earlier this year. The bloc is already investigating Apple over its App Store rules for developers.

The commission's executive vice president in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, said in a press release that the process will “provide clarity” for developers and Apple.

Apple said it has “created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users.”

“Undermining the protections we’ve built over time would put European consumers at risk," the company said, adding it will continue to “work constructively” with commission.

FILE - People wait in front of the Apple store in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 25, 2015. The European Union’s top court has rejected Apple’s final legal challenge against an order from the bloc’s executive commission to repay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland, bringing an end to the long-running dispute (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

FILE - People wait in front of the Apple store in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 25, 2015. The European Union’s top court has rejected Apple’s final legal challenge against an order from the bloc’s executive commission to repay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland, bringing an end to the long-running dispute (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

SAO PAULO (AP) — Red Bull's Max Verstappen will start Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix from 17th position as he fights McLaren's Lando Norris for the Formula One drivers' championship. Qualifying at Interlagos is still under way, but slowed due to two red flags as rain continues to fall in Sao Paulo.

The second leg of qualifying was cancelled with Verstappen in 12th position after Aston Martin's Lance Stroll crashed.

The Dutchman failed to advance to the the final part of qualifying and will have to add a five-place grid punishment after changing his engine for the sixth time this season, exceeding the maximum allowance of four.

Sergio Perez, the second Red Bull driver, also failed to reach the final third of qualifying, and clocked the 13th fastest time.

Qualifying started in low grip conditions at 7:30 a.m. local time (1030 GMT), and two red flags were shown after crashes by Stroll and Williams Franco Colapinto. The start of the Grand Prix was brought forward from 2 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. (1530 GMT). All drivers started off on wet tires, but moved to intermediates as the qualifying went on.

Many drivers arrived at Interlagos around 6 a.m. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. took the time to serve coffee for team staffers as they prepared for qualifying.

Organizers said qualifying on Sunday had only happened five times in F1 history and a German driver has secured pole position on every occasion. The most recent was at the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, with four-time champion Sebastian Vettel starting from the front.

The FIA announced qualifying had been postponed Saturday after a two-hour delay, with no cars having the chance to clock any laps. It said in a statement that the decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain, "with a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe."

Many of the more than 60,000 fans that came to Interlagos on Saturday did not appear for qualifying Sunday morning.

The gap between Norris and Verstappen, with four grands prix and a final sprint race to the end of the season, is now 44 points. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also has a long shot at the title.

Organizers are yet to decide whether the tribute to legendary three-time champion Ayrton Senna will take place on Sunday. The late Brazilian's title-winning McLaren is scheduled to be driven by one of his biggest fans, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands walks on the track after the sprint race ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix auto race at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands walks on the track after the sprint race ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix auto race at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain, left, talks with Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain, left, talks with Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur ahead of the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)

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