The Digital Markets Act from the European Union (EU) will make Apple allow other app stores on iPhones or specific iOS devices However, this rule doesn’t apply to iPadOS, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches.
In the previous article I have mentioned possibility of Apple splitting the App Store into two versions—one for the EU and another for the rest of the world. Now, it’s clear which rules will soon apply to iOS customers in the EU (European Union)
Apple is going to make some changes with its apps on iPhones or specific iOS before March 6, when new rules from the European Union start. They will allow users of iOS or iPhones in the EU use other app stores. However, when it comes to iPads, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches, the process remains unchanged. Users on these devices will still need to rely on the App Store as the exclusive platform for downloading and installing applications.
This means that the App Store will continue to be the primary source for accessing and downloading apps on these specific Apple devices like iPads, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches.
The company from Cupertino, Apple, recently shared information about the upcoming updates in iOS 17.4. These include allowing other app stores on iPhones, making sure apps are safe with app notarization, supporting different browser engines, and expanding the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to more apps. However, it’s important to note that these changes will only apply to iOS. So, if you use different Apple devices, your experience might be different because these updates won’t affect all devices the same way.
Concern
Even though iPads won’t get the option to download apps from other places, means iPads won’t be able to use different app stores. there’s another issue raised by Firefox Mozilla about Apple’s changes before the DMA deadline. With the DMA, Apple is allowing browsers like Firefox and Chrome to use their own engines (they used to use Safari’s WebKit engine) instead of Safari’s, but this change is only for iPhones, not iPads. Mozilla, the group behind Firefox, said they’ll have to create two versions of Firefox—one for iPhones with their own engine and another for iPads in the EU using Safari’s engine—because of these restrictions.
Payments
In the upcoming iOS 17.4, there’s a new change related to the DMA. Right now, only Apple Pay can do contactless payments on iPhones, but in the EU, this is going to change. People will soon be able to pick other apps, not just Apple Pay, to make contactless payments using the phone’s NFC technology. Remember, this change is only for iPhones or specific iOS devices and will happen in the EU, just like the other updates Apple is making.
Risk
The DMA these changes might make things riskier for both users and app makers. Their could be more problems like malware, fraud, scams, harmful content, and other privacy and security issues.. It may also become difficult for Apple to find and stop bad apps on iPhones and help users who have issues with apps from places other than the App Store.
Safety
To keep EU users safe, Apple is putting in some safeguards for iOS apps. They’re doing things like (Notarization) authorization checking and approving apps, giving permission to marketplace developers, and telling users about different payment options. The aim is to make things secure, but it’s good to know that there might still be some risks.
Worldwide App Implications
These changes only affect apps for people in any of the 27 EU countries but for the rest of the world — you don’t have to do anything. You can keep putting your apps on the App Store and use its safe payment system just like before.
