Apple Opens Up iPadOS to Third-Party App Stores in Compliance with EU’s Digital Markets Act
As of September 16, the next major release of iPadOS will allow users in the European Union (EU) to install alternative app stores on their iPads. This move is a direct result of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote fairness and competition in the digital market.
Background: The Digital Markets Act
The DMA was introduced by the European Commission as part of its efforts to regulate the tech industry. In November 2022, the Commission designated six tech companies as ‘gatekeepers,’ including Apple, due to their significant influence over the digital market. These gatekeepers are required to comply with a set of rules aimed at promoting competition and preventing anti-competitive practices.
Apple’s Compliance Timeline
The European Commission initially designated three products and services as core platform services (CPS): iOS, the App Store, and Safari. Later, in April 2023, iPadOS was added to the list. Apple had six months to update iPadOS and ensure compliance with the DMA.
Consequences for Apple: Opening Up iPadOS
As a result of this compliance effort, users in the EU will be able to install alternative app stores on their iPads starting from September 16. This change is expected to have significant implications for developers and consumers alike. Developers will no longer be restricted to using Apple’s App Store, while consumers will gain access to more choices when it comes to purchasing and downloading apps.
Alternative App Stores: A Look at the Options
There are already several alternative app stores available for iOS users in the EU. One example is AltStore PAL, which offers a range of third-party apps, including video game emulators like Delta and virtual machine apps like UTM. These alternatives often come with their own set of rules and restrictions, such as Apple’s notorious ‘Core Technology Fee’ above a certain threshold.
What This Means for Web Browsers
In addition to app stores, the DMA also affects web browsers. Developers will now be able to release browser engines that don’t rely on Apple’s WebKit technology. While this may seem like a minor change, it has significant implications for companies looking to develop and distribute their own browser software.
Reactions from Industry Experts
Romain Dillet, Senior Reporter at TechCrunch, notes that the opening up of iPadOS is a direct result of the DMA. "The Commission’s designation of Apple as a gatekeeper has led to significant changes in the way companies operate," he writes. As one of the most knowledgeable tech journalists in the EU, Rillet highlights the impact this change will have on developers and consumers.
Timeline for iOS Compliance
Given the different compliance timeline for iOS, recent changes to iOS in the EU can be seen as an indication of what’s to come for iPad users. The DMA’s effects are already being felt in the market, with several third-party app stores available for iOS users in the EU.
What’s Next?
As Apple continues to comply with the DMA, we can expect further changes to its operating systems and policies. This move marks a significant shift towards greater competition and choice for consumers, but it also raises questions about the future of the tech industry. Will other companies follow suit, or will Apple find ways to maintain its dominance?
Related Articles
- Biden Admin’s Final Rule Banning Chinese Connected Cars Also Bars Robotaxi Testing on US Roads
- ChatGPT: Everything You Need to Know About the AI-Powered Chatbot
- Apple Joins Consortium to Help Develop Next-Gen AI Data Center Tech