The iPhone maker had previously warned that European users would not be able to access the real-time translation feature through their earbuds due to its interpretation of its obligations under the EU’s rulebook for big tech platforms, the Digital Markets Act.
The EU rules mandate certain features in Apple’s phones and tablets to ensure interoperability with competitor devices. Apple has challenged those obligations in the EU courts.
According to Apple, the firm had to develop a “complicated” solution to comply with the DMA, creating a new audio-routing API so third-party apps and devices could manage simultaneous audio paths.
The firm takes the position that had it shared the feature sooner, it would have been fined and forced to stop shipping products in the EU.
The spokesperson said that Apple remained deeply concerned that the European Commission’s “aggressive” interpretations of the rules are putting “users at risk and is bad for innovation.”
“In the EU, the aim of our digital legislation is to preserve innovation and freedom of choice,” said a spokesperson for the European Commission. “And this is exactly what we see today.”