Apple to Allow Third-Party App Stores on the iPhone from 2023
The iPhone App Store is about to undergo a significant transformation thanks to Apple. Apple has software engineers and services staff members working on a project to “enable alternative app shops” on the iPhone and iPad in reaction to impending laws in the European Union. The new feature might be introduced as early as iOS 17 in 2019. With the modifications, buyers may eventually download third-party software directly to their iPhones and iPads, circumventing Apple’s restrictions and the up to 30% commission it charges on purchases.
The statute mandates that digital companies permit the installation of third-party apps and make default settings more easily accessible to users. The regulations mandate interoperability between messaging systems and equal access for outside developers to key functionality in apps and services.
The actions, which represent a reversal of long-standing policy, are in response to EU rules intended to level the playing field for third-party developers and enhance consumers’ digital lives. Regulators and software developers have long complained that Apple and Google, the two companies that oversee the two largest mobile app stores, exercise excessive control as gatekeepers.
According to individuals, who asked not to be identified since the work is confidential, Apple’s effort might serve as a model for other regions if comparable laws are implemented in new nations. However, the company’s modifications are initially planned to only take effect in Europe. Nevertheless, the decision has drawn criticism from certain workers. For instance, some Apple engineers believe that this is a “distraction from routine daily development of future features.”
Technology enterprises with a market value of at least €75 billion and at least 45 million monthly users within the EU are subject to the legislation. Andreas Wendker, a longtime vice president of software engineering who reports to Craig Federighi, the company’s top software executive, is in charge of the changes currently taking place at Apple. The EU has a schedule for when digital companies – including Google – must comply with the law, but the primary deadline is March 2024.
Apple is debating the concept of requiring specific security measures even if software is released outside of its store in order to help guard against hazardous apps. Such apps also may need to be verified by Apple — a process that could carry a fee. Within the App Store, Apple takes a 15-30% cut of revenue.