The European Union (EU) is continuing to put pressure on Apple with new regulations. Previously, the EU forced Apple to switch from Lightning to USB Type-C for iPhones and allow the installation of apps from outside the App Store. Despite strong objections, Apple eventually complied. Now, the EU is asking Apple to open up two exclusive features, AirDrop and AirPlay, to devices outside the Apple ecosystem, and this could be an uphill battle for the Cupertino tech giant.
AirDrop is a feature that helps users quickly send files between Apple devices over a short-range wireless connection. Meanwhile, AirPlay allows users to stream content from Apple devices to a larger screen such as a TV or a supported speaker. If the EU succeeds in forcing Apple to open up these two features to other platforms, devices like Samsung Galaxy phones, Android tablets, or Windows laptops will be able to send and receive files or share content with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks over a local network.
While the request could be a big win for users, Apple argues that it could lead to serious privacy violations. The company warns that opening up AirDrop and AirPlay to other platforms would expose Apple users’ personal data, including call logs, messages, calendar events, photos, videos, and even passwords.
Apple is concerned that companies like Meta, which has been repeatedly criticized for security issues, could exploit these loopholes to collect and misuse user data, damaging Apple’s brand image as a strict privacy advocate. The European Union has said it will listen to feedback from Apple and third parties before making a final decision. This shows that the EU is willing to adjust its requirements to ensure feasibility and fairness.
If the EU forces Apple to open up AirDrop and AirPlay to other platforms, it would be a big step forward in improving compatibility between technology devices. However, it could also mean that Apple has to compromise something it has always been proud of: user privacy.