LONDON -- The European Union said Thursday it will outline steps to compel Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the bloc's tough new digital rulebook, which threatens hefty fines for breaches.

The European Commission, which is the EU's executive body, announced that it has initiated two “specification proceedings” to outline the steps Apple must take in accordance with the Digital Markets Act, a law governing the digital market within the 27-nation bloc.

The DMA aims to prevent Big Tech “gatekeepers” from dominating digital markets, including by dismantling closed technology ecosystems. It mandates that tech companies make their systems compatible with rivals, enabling consumers to switch platforms more readily.

One proceeding will focus on how connected devices, such as smartwatches and headphones, will achieve “effective interoperability” with Apple's operating system. The other will examine how Apple handles interoperability requests from software developers for iOS and iPadOS, which should be done in a “transparent, timely and fair” manner, the commission stated.

Throughout this procedure, which could last up to six months, the commission will share its findings with Apple. This marks the first instance of the commission employing this process since the DMA came into effect earlier this year. Notably, the bloc is currently conducting a separate investigation into Apple's App Store guidelines for developers.

Margrethe Vestager, the commission's executive vice president responsible for competition policy, mentioned in a press release that the process will “provide clarity” for developers and Apple.

Apple stated that it has “established mechanisms for applications within the European Union to request increased interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while upholding the security of our users.”

“Undermining the safeguards we have implemented over time would jeopardize European consumers,” the company affirmed, adding that it will continue to “collaborate constructively” with the commission.