Apple AirDrop for Android? Sounds like a dream that will never come true

I have a unique lifestyle, constantly switching between different smartphone platforms. I wish file sharing between Apple and Android devices was easier, which is why my ears perked up when I saw the EU Commission ask Apple to open up AirDrop.

Under the guise of promoting “effective interoperability” within the smartphone industry Through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the European Commission asks Apple to open the doors of its walled garden a little wider so that Android users and anyone who wants access can periodically play inside.. The commission writes:

“The preliminary findings in the first specification proceeding describe the proposed measures that the Commission believes Apple should implement to effectively meet its interoperability obligations in relation to various iOS connectivity features, predominantly used for and by connected devices. These can be notifications, automatic Wi-Fi connection, AirPlay, AirDrop or automatic Bluetooth audio switching.”

This proposal was initially made in september, but today, the European Commission is more specific about what it wants to open. It mentions notifications, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth audio switching, and AirDrop, the Apple ecosystem’s main claim to fame and most proprietary offering.

In its “interoperability” report, Apple responded: “It’s getting personal.” The company alleges that the DMA’s suggestions will open up its platform in a way that will put “users at risk, forcing them to open up their devices (and their most sensitive data) to companies with a history of violating their privacy.”

The company explicitly mentions Meta and its properties in the PDF posted on Apple’s developer website. what can you read in full:

“If Apple were to grant all these requests, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could allow Meta to read all their messages and emails on a user’s device, see every phone call they make or receive, track every app they use. , scan all your photos, view your files and calendar events, record all your passwords, and more. “This is data that Apple itself has decided not to access to provide the greatest possible protection to users.”

Apple insists that it allows its users to decide whether or not to share certain information necessary for a particular user experience. He says what the DMA is asking for could result in companies like Meta getting “unlimited access to users’ devices and their most personal data.” Apple says Meta has requested access to features like AirPlay, App Intents, CarPlay, iPhone Mirroring, and Continuity Camera.

Apple is fantastic at promoting itself as a company that cares about its users first and foremost. I also don’t particularly like opening up Android to all third-party players. I am convinced that if we all stay in separate lanes, we will be fine and safer.

But this seems like something Apple could give in to, in a way. For example, Android uses Google Cast and Quick Share to shuffle streams and files between devices. I don’t necessarily need access to AirPlay and AirDrop, the Apple platform equivalents, to get that experience. I need Apple to allow that type of use by third parties. Most streaming apps, even on iOS, already use Google Cast by default if they discover that there are devices available on a network.

The EU Commission’s next steps are to “carefully evaluate” the feedback that Apple and other “interested parties” have provided. You have about six months to consider all of this and determine how Apple should comply in a way it deems fair to all users. I’m personally curious to see how this ends. If that means it’s easier to send photos to an Android device, you might have a hard time seeing it from Apple’s point of view.