Apple to open iOS to third-party app stores next year

Apple plans massive changes on iOS and other products and services to fulfill EU requirements set in the Digital Markets and Services Act. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Cupertino will redesign its platform to “open up key elements”, meaning iPhone and iPad users can download apps through third-party app stores and websites.

The changes are projected to take place only in the 27 countries that are members of the European Union and will lay the groundwork for an eventual expansion of the services to other regions.

Plans for the updates will likely arrive with iOS 17 in 2023, as companies have until 2024 to fully comply with the Digital Markets Act. The implementation also includes allowing broader access to the NFC chip, the camera, Find My Network, and the AirTag and bringing new web browsing engines to iPhones and iPads.

Gurman clarified that Apple is still planning to charge developers, even if they don’t distribute their apps through the App Store.

The Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act are bills intended to promote fair competition and better privacy protection and remove some invasive targeted advertising. Apple’s actions fall primarily under the first act, which is supposed to offer better interoperability with more minor rival services.

Suppose Cupertino decides not to abide by the law that comes into force on January 1, 2024. In that case, regulators might slap a fine of 10% of the total worldwide turnover, with 20% for repeat offenses.

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