Apple iPhone users in the EU will get Android-style app stores in March: details here

After months of speculation over Apple’s eventual compliance with EU rules allowing third-party app stores on its mobile platforms, the Cupertino-based giant has revealed its strategy. This marks a major change in the app distribution model, and is arguably the most significant change since the launch of the App Store.

For those unaware of the matter, Apple is required to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). It obliges all companies with 45 million active users and a market capitalization of $82 billion to ensure that their applications are compatible with rival platforms. Additionally, users are given the autonomy to choose which applications they want pre-installed on their devices.

Simply put, starting with iOS 17.4 in March this year, iPhone users in EU countries have the option to access alternative app stores, rather than relying solely on the App Store to download apps and games. will be. This is reminiscent of ‘side loading’ on Android phones, giving users a choice of where to download their apps. This option, of course, depends on the developers choosing it. However, to ensure user safety, Apple will mandate that these third-party stores receive approval from Apple. Additionally, users will need to grant permission to the store to download apps to their devices once they download them.

This will enable users to download apps that may not strictly follow Apple App Store guidelines, and users can also have such a third-party store as the default on their iPhones. However, Apple will stick to its standard practices, including scanning apps for malicious software, and it will allow only a single version of an app for download on different storefronts. Additionally, Apple will impose a “core technology fee” on major app developers, whether they choose to use Apple’s payment system or not.

Additionally, developers will now be able to include a third-party payment processor within App Store apps at no charge.

Additionally, Apple will provide EU iPhone users the ability to specify a default web browser and contactless payment application. It goes beyond the capabilities previously available in Apple’s proverbial “walled garden”.