Apple keeps challenging its interoperability obligations under the DMA

A new FSFE report reveals that as of March 2026, none of the 56 formal interoperability requests submitted to Apple under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) have resulted in a concrete solution. Apple's request-based system requires developers to pay a $99 fee, submit detailed applications, and wait up to 24 months for implementation — while Apple routinely rejects requests citing narrow scope interpretations that contradict its own technical documentation. Specific cases include denied access to JIT compilation, NFC protocols, and Bluetooth LE Audio. The FSFE calls for open standards, transparent procedures, stronger regulatory enforcement, and shared governance to ensure Free Software developers can access iOS/iPadOS features on equal terms.