Apple and Samsung: For years, Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem has been both a strength and a frustration. Features like AirDrop, AirPlay, and iMessage work seamlessly across iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watches but exclude devices from other brands. This “walled garden” approach could soon crumble in Europe, thanks to new EU mandates. Here’s how Samsung Galaxy users might finally gain access to Apple-exclusive features—and what it means for the future of tech collaboration.
The EU’s Push for Cross-Platform Compatibility
Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Union has ordered Apple to open key services to third-party devices and apps. The goal is to foster fair competition and give consumers more flexibility. For Apple, this means redesigning features like AirDrop, AirPlay, NFC, and notification systems to work with non-Apple products, including Samsung’s Galaxy phones, tablets, and wearables.
The EU’s guidelines specifically target:
- Notifications: Third-party devices (like Samsung smartwatches) must access iOS notifications.
- AirDrop and AirPlay: Apple’s file-sharing and screen-miricking tools must interoperate with Android devices.
- NFC and Wi-Fi: Third-party apps need deeper access to NFC for payments and Wi-Fi data for peer-to-peer features.
The EU wants Apple to release beta versions of these changes by late 2024 and fully implement them by 2026. Crucially, Apple cannot prioritize its own devices—new features must launch simultaneously for third parties.
What This Means for Apple and Samsung Users
If Apple complies, the implications are significant:
- AirDrop Between iPhone and Galaxy: Samsung users could send files directly to iPhones without third-party apps.
- Cross-Platform Notifications: A Galaxy Watch might display iPhone alerts, breaking Apple’s exclusivity with the Apple Watch.
- Better Payment Apps: Samsung Pay or other services could leverage iPhone NFC hardware, bypassing Apple Pay.
- Shared Wi-Fi Features: Samsung Smart TVs might mirror iPhone screens via AirPlay.
However, these changes may initially apply only in the EU. Apple could limit interoperability to Europe to comply with the DMA while keeping its ecosystem intact elsewhere.
Apple’s Resistance and Concerns
Apple has pushed back against the DMA, arguing that opening its systems could compromise security and stifle innovation. In a statement, the company claimed the EU is unfairly targeting Apple while allowing rivals to “freely leech off” its technologies.
Privacy is another concern. Features like AirDrop rely on encryption and device proximity checks, which Apple says could be weakened if third-party devices gain access. The company also warns that forcing interoperability might delay new features, as testing and integration with non-Apple hardware could slow development.
The Bigger Picture: A More Open Tech World?
The EU’s move reflects a growing demand for cross-platform compatibility. Consumers increasingly own devices from multiple brands—an iPhone with a Galaxy Tab, for instance—and expect them to work together. If Apple’s walled garden opens, it could pressure other tech giants (like Google) to adopt similar openness.
For Samsung, this is an opportunity. Closer integration with Apple’s ecosystem could make Galaxy devices more appealing to iPhone users, especially in Europe. Samsung might also innovate new features that leverage Apple’s now-accessible tools.
Challenges Ahead
While the vision of seamless Apple-Samsung collaboration is exciting, hurdles remain:
- Technical Complexity: Rewriting AirDrop or AirPlay to support Android requires significant engineering.
- Regional Fragmentation: Apple might create a fractured experience, with EU users getting features unavailable elsewhere.
- Security Risks: Opening APIs could expose vulnerabilities if not carefully managed.
Looking to 2026 and Beyond
The EU’s deadline gives Apple two years to adapt. If successful, iOS 19 (expected in 2026) could mark the start of a new era where iPhones and Galaxies communicate as effortlessly as Apple devices do today. Whether Apple extends these changes globally—or keeps them confined to Europe—remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: the pressure to dismantle walled gardens is growing. As regulators demand fairness and users crave flexibility, even rivals like Apple and Samsung may have no choice but to play nice.
FAQ
Q1: Which Apple features could work with Samsung devices?
A: AirDrop, AirPlay, NFC access, and notifications may become interoperable under EU rules.
Q2: When will these changes take effect?
A: The EU wants beta versions by late 2024, with full rollout by 2026.
Q3: Will this apply outside Europe?
A: Initially, likely EU-only. Apple may restrict changes to comply regionally.
Q4: Why is Apple resisting the DMA?
A: Apple claims interoperability risks security, privacy, and innovation speed.
Q5: Can Samsung devices use Apple Pay after this?
A: No, but third-party apps (like Samsung Pay) could access iPhone NFC for payments.
Q6: Will iPhones get Android-only features in return?
A: The DMA focuses on opening Apple’s ecosystem, not vice versa.
Q7: Could this lead to iMessage on Android?
A: Not directly, but the DMA’s push for openness might pressure Apple to expand iMessage compatibility.
The EU’s bold regulations could redefine how tech giants interact. While challenges loom, the prospect of Apple and Samsung devices working in harmony promises a more connected—and less fragmented—digital future.