By James Scott/ DEC 14, 2022
According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing to support alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads before European legislation requires the company to keep sideloading.
Apple
Customers could download apps without using the App Store, eliminating the need for developers to pay Apple's 15 to 30 percent fees. However, Apple only intended to introduce sideloading support in Europe originally.
Apple
If other nations enact legislation, alternative app stores may become more prevalent outside the European Union. For instance, the United States is considering passing legislation making Apple permit sideloading
Apple
According to Apple, sideloading will "undermine the privacy and security protections" that iPhone users depend on, making people more susceptible to malware, scams, data tracking, and other problems.
Apple
The Digital Markets Act of the European Union, which came into effect on November 1, mandates that "gatekeeper" businesses make their platforms and services available to other companies and developers.
Apple
The DMA will significantly impact Apple's platforms and may lead to significant changes to the App Store, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and other services. The EU's regulations must be complied with by Apple by March 6, 2024.
Apple