This includes ensuring that features such as AirDrop and AirPlay work seamlessly with Android and third-party devices, not to mention enabling background app functionality and cross-platform notifications.

A recent document released by the European Commission highlights numerous ways it wants Apple to adapt. For example, notifications should work on third-party smartwatches just as they do on the Apple Watch.

 Additionally, the EU insists that iOS apps should run in the background similarly to Apple’s own apps—a frequent issue for apps, especially those connected to non-Apple smartwatches.

The EU wants Jobs’ Mon to extend certain iOS features to other platforms, including Android. Essentially, the EU is telling Apple: It's time to share your toys.

Apple is not taking this lying down.  It is claiming that all the other operating systems are insecure and the EU’s insistence will mean that its users Coldplay collections are at risk of hackers.

Apple’s retort zeroes in on Meta, which it claims has made “more interoperability requests” than any other entity. Apple argues that opening AirPlay to Meta would “[create] a new class of privacy and security issues, while giving them data about users’ homes.”

Despite Apple’s protests, the EU is pushing forward and is taking consultations on this matter until January 9, 2025. Should Apple fail to comply with the eventual order, it could face substantial fines.

The Tame Apple Press has rushed to Apple’s defence saying that no Android user wants this level of interoperability with iOS anyway.