Apple is going to make a landmark decision that will forever change how iPhone users use their phones. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is likely to plan users to install third-party app stores on iOS.
This would be considered a huge change as Apple is famous for not allowing users to download apps from third-party sources. This new change will possibly be implemented on the iPhone and iPad.
The plans are being pushed after the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is meant to enact “implement new rules for digital gatekeepers to make sure there are open markets.”
This restriction will become a requirement in 2024, according to a press release.
What Does This Law mean for Apple?
This new law means that Apple will have to allow third-party app stores but side loading as well. This will allow users to install software downloaded from the web. Apple users didn’t have this luxury before. Apple executives in the past have even called the ability to sideload software “a cybercriminal’s best friend.”
The EU has published a highly complicated schedule for complying with the law. Companies that have to comply with the law will have to notify regulators and commissions to let them know if they’ll actually be making changes or not.
The EU has stated in a press release that the gatekeeper companies will have to comply with the act by March 6th, 2024.
What Will Apple Do?
Knowing Apple’s history, they’re likely to keep some hands on the reins to maintain some kind of control. According to Apple, they’re considering “mandating specific security requirements,” as they’ll be verifying outside apps in one way or another.
According to Bloomberg’s report, Apple hasn’t yet decided whether it will let developers install third-party payment systems in apps, which it is supposed to do under the DMA.
Apple also hasn’t deiced how it will make iMessage interoperable with other services, that’s another condition of the DMA. The company is currently working on another major change brought on by the EU regulations.
