Published on: June 4, 2025 6:42 pm
📰 Apple vs EU: Why AirDrop May Change Forever for iPhone Users in Europe
What Triggered the Apple vs EU AirDrop Clash?
Apple’s popular file-sharing feature, AirDrop, is under scrutiny by the European Union (EU), which has introduced a bold regulation known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This law is designed to break the “walled gardens” of Big Tech, forcing companies like Apple to make their platforms more open and competitive.
What Is the EU Asking Apple to Do?
Under the DMA, Apple is being asked to make AirDrop interoperable with third-party devices — particularly those running Android and Windows operating systems. That means users in the EU could soon be able to send and receive files from non-Apple devices using AirDrop-like functionality.
Key Demands from the EU
- Open AirDrop to Android and Windows devices via Bluetooth LE, NFC, and peer-to-peer Wi-Fi.
- Share iOS notifications with third-party wearables and apps.
- Allow third-party apps to function like Apple’s own — including background tasks.
- Offer open access to features like AirPlay, used for wireless media streaming.
👉 Related: What Is the Digital Markets Act? Full Breakdown
Apple’s Response to the EU Ruling
Apple has raised serious concerns, stating that these changes could compromise user privacy and data security. The company argues that opening up iOS features like AirDrop and notifications might lead to vulnerabilities if third-party developers fail to maintain Apple’s high standards of security.
Apple also suggests that it’s being unfairly singled out, as Android manufacturers aren’t bound to exactly the same set of changes — at least not yet.
What Changes Will iPhone Users in the EU See?
If Apple complies, iOS 19 and iOS 20, expected by late 2025 or early 2026, could feature:
- A universal AirDrop-style tool compatible with Android phones and Windows PCs.
- Seamless notifications across iPhone and third-party smartwatches.
- Greater choice of default apps and sharing methods.
These changes would apply only to users within European Union countries, at least initially.
Will These Changes Affect Global iPhone Users?
While the interoperability requirements apply specifically to the EU region, the technical updates Apple makes to iOS might become available worldwide in the future — especially if other countries adopt similar pro-competition laws.
For now, users outside the EU, including India and the US, will continue to use the traditional Apple-only AirDrop unless Apple decides to expand the changes globally.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Battle Between Apple and the EU
This AirDrop change is just one part of a larger regulatory battle between the EU and Apple. Recently, Apple has also been:
- Forced to allow third-party app stores on iPhones in the EU.
- Required to adopt USB-C charging ports instead of Lightning.
- Ordered to open Safari browser engine access to third-party developers.
These rules aim to enhance competition, reduce consumer lock-in, and foster innovation across platforms.
👉 Must Read: Apple vs EU: Third-Party App Stores and USB-C Explained
🔍 Final Thoughts
The battle over AirDrop in the EU could redefine how Apple’s ecosystem functions in the future. While Apple sees it as a privacy risk, the EU believes it’s a move toward openness, freedom of choice, and better user experiences.
Whether you’re an Apple loyalist or an Android user, the outcome of this regulatory push will likely shape the way we share data, use apps, and connect devices across ecosystems for years to come.