Meta disputes Apple implementation of EU-mandated multi-device pairing on iOS

This dispute highlights the technical friction between platform gatekeepers and third-party hardware manufacturers as the EU enforces the Digital Markets Act. If Meta succeeds, it could force Apple to open deep-level Bluetooth and iCloud synchronization features previously reserved for the Apple ecosystem, such as AirPods and Apple Watch. For the streaming and wearable industries, this creates a precedent for a more unified hardware experience across competing mobile OS environments. Success here could reduce silos for spatial computing and smart glass tethering. Watch for the European Commission's formal assessment of Apple’s proposed interoperability solutions to determine if mandated compliance must extend to global software architectures.

The tension over peripheral interoperability follows a series of regulatory setbacks for Apple in the European Union. Per Bloomberg in June 2026, the European Commission issued preliminary findings that Apple’s App Store rules continue to restrict steerage, marking the first time a tech giant has been formally accused of violating the Digital Markets Act. This regulatory pressure has forced Apple to redesign core iOS features, including the introduction of a dedicated 'Default Apps' section in the settings menu and the ability for EU users to delete the Safari browser and the App Store itself. These changes reflect a broader mandate to decouple Apple’s hardware from its proprietary software services, a shift that Meta is now attempting to exploit for its wearable hardware division.

Meta’s push for deeper integration comes as the wearable market faces intense platform competition. According to IDC data from May 2026, the smart glasses segment saw a 15% year-over-year increase in shipments, largely driven by the Ray-Ban Meta glasses and a renewed interest in augmented reality. By securing the same 'low-friction' pairing experience as AirPods, Meta aims to eliminate the technical advantages Apple hardware currently holds on iOS. This move also aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to position its Horizon OS as an open alternative to Apple’s VisionOS. Per The Verge in April 2026, Meta opened its VR operating system to third-party hardware makers like Asus and Lenovo, signaling a long-term commitment to platform-agnostic hardware connectivity that directly challenges Apple's vertically integrated model.