EU Users of Apple iPhones Will See Android-Style App Stores in March: Details are available here

Following months of conjecture on Apple’s potential adherence to EU rules requiring third-party app shops to be permitted on its mobile platform, the Cupertino-based behemoth has revealed its approach. Arguably the biggest change since the App Store’s debut, this represents a substantial shift in the app delivery paradigm.

For those who are unaware, Apple must abide by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union. With 45 million active users and a $82 billion market capitalization, this requires all enterprises to make sure their apps work with competing platforms. Users are also given the freedom to choose the apps they want to have pre-installed on their smartphones.

Put simply, instead of depending only on the App Store to get applications and games, iPhone owners in EU nations will soon have the option to visit rival app stores starting in March of this year with iOS 17.4. This reminds me of how Android phones allow users to choose where to download their programs via “side loading.” The decision to explore this option rests with the creators, of course. But Apple will need these third-party shops to get Apple approval in order to protect consumer safety. In addition, after installing applications, customers will need to allow the store to download them to their devices.

Users will be able to download programs that may not precisely follow the rules of the Apple App shop thanks to this, and they can even set up a third-party shop as their iPhone’s default app store. Apple will, however, continue to follow its regular procedures, which include checking applications for harmful malware and only allowing one version of the program to be downloaded from different marketplaces. Major app developers will also be charged a “core technology fee” by Apple, regardless of whether they decide to accept payments via Apple.

Additionally, there will be no costs for developers that include a third-party payment processor in an App Store app.

Additionally, Apple is going to give iPhone users in the EU the option to choose a default web browser and contactless payment app. This expands on the features that were previously restricted to Apple’s figurative “walled garden.”