Discussion
We, the 
FSFE, just shared our views with the #UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on #Apple’s proposed “interoperability commitments” under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (#DMCCA).
Such weak requirements will deem interoperability ineffective, entrenching #Apple's monopolistic power in #UK's digital market.
⚠️ #Apple’s current #iOS model limits #SoftwareFreedom and locks users and developers into its walled garden, blocking independent developers and innovation in mobile ecosystems.
For instance, Apple still does not allow sideloading and maintains tight gatekeeping over the App Store.
👉 The exception to this was achieved by the EU's #DMA, where Apple is forced to open up its mobile operating systems to third-party software installation.
❗ The voluntary commitments proposed by #Apple won’t fix this. The #UK Competition and Markets Authority must mandate interoperability by default, ensuring all developers, including #FreeSoftware #OpenSource ones, get equal access to Apple’s OS (#iOS) and hardware features.
📣 The solution should be the enforcement of "interoperability-by-design".
A broad #interoperability mandate is key for healthy and competitive digital markets.
Without clear rules, deadlines and transparent processes for granting interoperability, many developers will remain excluded from #Apple's controlled ecosystems.
📝 Read more in our full submission:
https://download.fsfe.org/campaigns/device-neutrality/2026-03-FSFE-CMA-DMCCA-interop.pdf
#FreeSoftware #OpenSource #DMCCA #UK #CMA #DigitalMarkets #DMA #DeviceNeutrality
