Apple Reportedly Allows Rival App Stores on iPhone and iPad in EU

Apple is preparing to give outside app stores access to its iPhones and iPads in the European Union to comply with a new competition law, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

As part of the changes, Apple users would be allowed to install third-party apps without going through the company’s App Store, bypassing the tech giant’s app restrictions and up to 30% commission. it charges on App Store purchases, according to Bloomberg’s report.

The reported measures – a reversal of longstanding Apple policy – are a response to the EU’s request Digital Markets Act, sweeping up new internet rules designed to create fair and open competition in the digital realm. Big tech companies that fail to comply with the new rules could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenue, which could run into billions of dollars.

While other phone makers such as Google and Samsung also have their own app stores, they often allow sideloading, where users can find and download apps from sources other than the main app store. of their device. However, Apple only allowed iPhone and iPad apps to be downloaded from its App Store, arguing that sideloading could harm the security of the phone.

Apple’s tight control has faced opposition in court, with Fortnite maker Epic Games claiming the iPhone maker exerts too much control over people’s devices. Epic largely lost its lawsuit against Apple, despite being attractive.

However, Apple has not decided whether or not to comply with part of the new rules that allow developers to install third-party payment systems into their apps to purchase subscriptions or in-app content, Bloomberg reported. . Such a decision would exclude Apple from the purchasing process.

The changes, which are expected to take effect with the release of iOS 17 next year, are primarily aimed at Europe but could lay the groundwork for release in other regions, sources told Bloomberg.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.