The European Commission is intensifying efforts to level the playing field in the tech industry with new interoperability measures that could finally allow competition against Apple’s watch and earbuds.

On March 18, the Commission announced new requirements under its Digital Markets Act (DMA), focusing on interoperability obligations aimed at enabling third-party devices to function better with Apple’s products, particularly iPhones.

This directive will open access to specific iOS features to improve how non-Apple devices like smartwatches and headphones interact with iPhones. This is critical as current restrictions put third-party accessories at a disadvantage compared to Apple’s products like the Apple Watch and AirPods.

In addition, Apple is now required to facilitate a fairer process for interoperability requests, such as providing better access to technical details about unavailable features and a clearer timeline for responses to those requests. These adjustments are vital for developers seeking to integrate their products seamlessly with Apple technology.

As quoted by the European Commission, “iPhone users will have enhanced possibilities to receive push notifications including pictures on their non-Apple smartwatch and reply to these notifications.”

These changes may seem trivial but could significantly impact user choices when selecting between third-party and Apple devices. A third-party headset may outperform AirPods, but connection complications often push users toward Apple.

Eric Migicovsky, founder of Core Devices, has articulated frustrations related to Apple’s restrictive policies, stating, “Apple systematically makes it nearly impossible for third-party wearable developers to build a smartwatch experience comparable to the Apple Watch experience.” The goal of these new requirements is to promote fairness and accessibility in the tech landscape, especially within the EU, with hopes it may eventually expand to other regions.