EU commission assessing whether the iPad offers sufficient interoperability with third-party headphones and ‘smart pens’

The EU commission announced today that it is now formally assessing whether iPadOS, the underlying software for Apple’s iPad tablets, is in compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

The DMA requires that iPadOS must allow the choice of a default web browser, allow alternative app stores, and support accessory ecosystems “like headphones and smart pens”, in the European region.

The iPad was classified as a gatekeeper platform in April, bringing it under the purview of DMA regulations. At the time, the Commission said Apple had about six months to bring the iPad into compliance. Fast forward six months and — therefore — we have today’s announcement that they are formally assessing iPadOS.

Just like with iOS on the iPhone, iPadOS 18 allows customers located in the European Union to access third party app stores (or as Apple calls them, app marketplaces) and set an alternative web browser as the default. Epic Games is currently leading the charge with iPhone and iPad alternative app distribution thanks to the popularity of Fortnite and the Epic Games Store.

As such, it seems like iPadOS is already attempting compliance with the EU’s first two points.

However, we have not really seen changes that allow for interoperability with third-party “headphones and smart pens”, presumably allowing for more competitors to Apple’s AirPods and the Apple Pencil stylus.

It’s unclear if there are Apple software changes coming soon to address this, or whether Apple intends to contest the matter in a different way. Perhaps, the company already believes it provides sufficient support for third-party Bluetooth accessories. Of course, non-Apple headphones and styli do work with the iPad, albeit not as elegantly or as integrated as the first-party experiences provided by AirPods and Apple Pencil.

We’ll have to wait for the EU’s judgements, expected to be published sometime next year. If Apple is found not to be in compliance, it could face enforcement actions including hefty fines.