EU Wants Apple to Open AirDrop and AirPlay to Android

The EU is pushing for Apple to open up some of its key iOS features like AirDrop and AirPlay to work with other platforms, including Android. This request comes in an effort to ensure 'effective interoperability' between different tech ecosystems, as outlined in a new document released by the European Commission.

The EU specifically requests that Apple provide a protocol specification for AirDrop so third-party devices can send and receive files from an iOS device. Similarly, they are pushing for AirPlay to be accessible on third-party connected devices, similar to how Google's Cast tech works across different platforms.

Apple has responded, expressing concerns about the potential exposure of private information if these features are opened up. The company highlights Meta as having made more interoperability requests than anyone else and warns that opening AirDrop and AirPlay could create new privacy and security issues.