Apple interoperability under EU Digital Markets Act

iPhone-Windows clipboard sharing coming to EU with iOS 28

Apple approved Microsoft's interoperability request.

Following a request submitted on March 25, 2026, Apple approved Microsoft's request for interoperability on June 26, 2026. The request sought to enable seamless cross-device clipboard sharing between iOS and Windows, allowing users to copy content on one device and paste it on the other.

Microsoft argued that consumers expect such features to work without the need for third-party apps, foregrounded iOS apps, or repetitive permission requests. Under the EU Digital Markets Act, Apple's approval means the company will develop a new infrastructure to allow clipboard data to be synchronized between paired Windows computers and iPhones.

The proposed solution is expected to function similarly to Apple's existing Universal Clipboard feature for its own devices. Apple indicated that the development of this feature, which will be available in the EU, is a significant engineering effort that aims to maintain user control and privacy.

Microsoft submitted an interoperability request for cross-device clipboard sharing between iOS and Windows.

On March 25, 2026, Microsoft submitted an interoperability request to Apple for cross-device clipboard sharing between iOS and Windows. The request aimed to allow users to copy content on an iPhone and paste it onto a Windows PC, or vice versa, moving beyond current requirements that necessitate third-party apps and manual permissions for each share.

Microsoft argued that consumers expect such features to work seamlessly. The request requested a mechanism that would grant persistent access to a device's clipboard to enable continuous synchronization, rather than requiring the iOS app to be open in the foreground for every transfer.

Apple introduced Accessory Notifications and Accessory Live Activities frameworks for the EU in iOS 26.5.

In iOS 26.5, Apple introduced the Accessory Notifications and Accessory Live Activities frameworks for users in the European Union. These frameworks previously enabled features such as fast pairing and notification sharing for third-party wearable devices.