I mean, obviously Apple wasn't surprised by their own plan. They wrote it. It's probably true that the EC had gotten information on Apple's plans in advance, a

I mean, obviously Apple wasn't surprised by their own plan. They wrote it. It's probably true that the EC had gotten information on Apple's plans in advance, and wasn't surprised by it. That doesn't mean that they approve that plan. In fact, AFAIK it is impossible for them to have formally approved it. That's just not the process. The EC will only start to consider whether Apple's implementation is compliant or not after the DMA enforcement starts, and will take into account feedback from the industry on what actually got implemented. What Apple announced is irrelevant, the announcement is non-normative and such an announcement is really only for Apple's benefit (for them to get an idea in advance on how acceptable the industry finds their proposal, and course correct). But obviously Apple has no interest in that. The only use they have for the feedback is to print it on some special toilet paper rolls to use in the executive bathrooms.