In response to increasing pressure and regulations in the European Union, Apple is now planning to allow third-party app stores as an alternative to the App Store on iOS, which is the sole platform available to users to install applications on their smartphone.
According to the Bloomberg, Apple has software engineers and services employees working on a project to “allow alternative app stores” on the iPhone and iPad. Apple will reportedly redesign the platform to “open key elements” and users will be allowed to download third-party apps without going through the App Store.
More details regarding this change will likely arrive with iOS 17 in 2023 as companies have until 2024 to comply with the Digital Markets Act, which is big problem for Apple has it goes against all efforts the company has made to make it difficult for users to leave iOS.
The move is being criticized by Apple and its employees, which view it as a “distraction from typical day-to-day development of future features.” The report also added that “Apple has argued that sideloading could up unsafe apps on the consumers’ devices and undermine privacy.”
This is a big move as it will allow developers to avoid the infamous 30 and 15 percent commissions on payments made through the App Store. However, the changes are expected to take place only in 27 countries that are members of the European Union and may expand to more regions in the coming future.
The report adds that Apple is still planning on charging developers the same fee even if they do not distribute their apps through the App Store.
Read more: Twitter Blue Subscription Will Cost More on iPhone, Cheaper on Website.
Apple has until January 1, 2024 to abide by the new law and if they fail, regulators could fine the company 10% of their total worldwide turnover, with 20% for repeat offences.
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