The European Union on Wednesday outlined the steps that Apple must take to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to work better with competing technologies.It’s the first time it has moved to compel a technology company to comply with the bloc’s digital Digital Markets Act — a wide-ranging set of regulations designed to prevent Big Tech “gatekeeper” companies from cornering markets.

A spokesperson for Apple also told TechRepublic that the European Commission’s decision will “... wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple’s ability to innovate for users in Europe.”

Apple was told how to stay in line with the bloc's landmark rules and where non-compliance could lead to an investigation and fines.