EU to Apple: No More Walled Gardens, Open AirDrop, Notifications & More

The European Union has ordered Apple to ensure full access to iOS notifications and allow third-party alternatives for features like AirDrop and AirPlay.

Apple must implement these changes by the end of 2025, with a beta version expected by the end of this year and a full rollout in 2026, specifically for EU users.

Third-party manufacturers will gain access to essential system functionalities, including proximity auto-pairing, automatic audio switching, and Wi-Fi network information.

Apple has criticised the EU’s decision, claiming it hinders innovation and allows competitors to benefit from its proprietary features without adhering to the same regulations.

All features mandated by the EU must be provided free of charge to connected devices, ensuring a level playing field for third-party developers.

Now, I have been trying out the iPhone for the last two and a half years and I can concur, it doesn’t play nice with my Android phone and my Windows PC.

If you have not been confined to the suffocating walls of Apple, you might not immediately understand why the above would be a big deal.

This ruling forces Apple to open up core iOS features that were previously locked into its ecosystem. Here’s how third-party developers could take advantage and compete with Apple’s offerings:

Potential Third-Party Apps & Services

Alternative AirDrop Services

• Faster, more customisable file-sharing apps that work across different devices (not just Apple). We would not ShareIt with its tons of ads anymore.
• Apps that integrate cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox) directly into AirDrop-style transfers. No more being forced to stick with iCloud.

Notification Management

• Third-party notification centers with better filtering, scheduling, and AI-based sorting. If you live only in Android world, you have no idea just how much inferior Apple’s notification centre is.
• Cross-platform notifications (syncing iOS and Android notifications on a single device).
• Apps that allow richer interactive notifications, like replying to messages with more options.

1. Enhanced Audio & Video Streaming (AirPlay Alternatives)
   • Competitors like Spotify could create their own media casting solutions. The reality is that when it comes to more midrange TVs, you don’t usually get AirPlay, making it impossible to cast to those TVs with your iPhone but Google Cast is usually available.
   • Third-party smart TVs and speakers could use AirPlay-like functionality without relying on Apple’s protocols. As you know, Apple’s protocols are expensive to acquire, hence why you don’t get many Airplay-capable budget options.
2. Proximity Auto-Pairing & Device Handoff Alternatives
   • Seamless device switching for non-Apple accessories (e.g., switching audio between a Windows laptop and iPhone).
   • Third-party earbuds or headphones gaining features like automatic audio switching, previously exclusive to AirPods.

How Would These Compete with Apple?

I am most excited about cross-platform compatibility. Unlike Apple’s ecosystem-locked features, third-party alternatives could work seamlessly with Windows, Android, and even Linux devices.

Then there is the chance of innovation beyond Apple’s scope. Apple is notorious for taking time with certain features, probably to protect their walled garden but if third party guys have some of the access we talked about above, they could give us killer apps and services. Developers could create niche features Apple wouldn’t prioritise (e.g., AI-powered notifications, encrypted AirDrop transfers or whatever else Apple isn’t rushing to provide).

Challenges for Apple

Apple can no longer force users to stick to its ecosystem for these core features.

Competitors like Google, Samsung, and third-party accessory makers gain access to Apple’s most tightly controlled functionalities.

If alternatives outperform Apple’s built-in services, it could weaken the “Apple magic” that keeps users locked in.

While Apple will likely try to keep its native features superior (or make third-party integration difficult in subtle ways), this ruling could disrupt its ecosystem’s exclusivity in a big way.

Hence why they are saying this ruling hinders innovation. That doesn’t make any sense. The argument that the ruling allows competitors to benefit from its proprietary features without adhering to the same regulations has merit though, to be fair.

Merit or not, it’s high time the walled garden is weakened a bit. Apple would not have to deal with this if it hadn’t built up its walls too high.