Several app stores could soon be available on the iPhone.
Nobody expected a drastic change in the iPhone operating system so quickly, except perhaps the European Union. The new regulation called the Digital Markets Act (short: DMA) calls for open platforms and interoperability of services and applications.
This also applies to Apple’s closed operating system iOS, including Apple’s own App Store. This was previously the only place to go to install applications on the iPhone. In the future it may be possible to download apps from alternative app stores and websites.
This is not the first regulation that the group has had to accept from the EU. Our author Patrick is already looking forward to iPhones with a USB-C connector, as he explains in his column:
iPhones mit USB-C
Apple finally gives in, but only reluctantly
The Status Quo
Apple is one of the largest tech companies in the world and one of the largest smartphone suppliers with the iPhone. The iOS operating system currently only allows apps to be downloaded via the in-house app store.
For comparison: With Android, apps can be easily downloaded via the browser or alternative app stores. A system that Apple has so far out of the question. The Cupertino-based tech giant took a firm stance against this with the launch of the iPhone and App Store.
Now the group is threatened with an imposed about-face, like the well-informed one Apple journalist Mark Gurman reports. The opening of the iOS operating system has not yet been officially confirmed.
What would the change mean for developers? Apple charges a 30 percent fee for app sales including in-app purchases. This circumstance caused a legal dispute with another industry giant in the past: Epic Games. As of today, Fortnite has been banned from the iPhone’s App Store.
The EU regulation would enable developers to bypass this costly participation and offer their applications and mobile games for download on other platforms.
The Cupertino-based company defended its strategy by saying that charging from alternative sources (also Sideloading
called) poses a security risk for users. In addition, it is dangerous for customers to make their payments for in-app purchases directly to the provider.
At the same time, the macOS operating system does not have any of these limitations. As a result of the DMA, Apple will probably have to find a solution for its iPhone operating system by 2024.
iOS 16 was this year’s big update from Apple. Will the operating system open up with iOS 17 next year?
What could such a change look like?
Apple doesn’t like being dictated to make changes to their products. Nevertheless, they must comply with the applicable law if they want to continue offering their products in the EU.
How can sideloading be implemented within the iPhone? The macOS operating system mentioned above offers a good starting point. Loading apps from alternative sources is possible there at any time, provided you activate this option in the settings.
However, starting these apps is associated with further warnings that you must confirm. It is therefore quite possible that Apple has stored a similar mechanism in the iOS settings. According to Mark Gurman’s Bloomberg report linked above, Apple will also establish security requirements to screen third-party apps from the web.
With the simple payment system and the convenient way of canceling current subscriptions, the App Store also offers advantages for users. Many owners will likely continue to cling to Apple’s familiar marketplace, while others will enjoy new applications.
The advantages for developers are obvious. By bypassing the 30 percent fee, however, they will also have to do without an established app store.
Either way, we’re excited to see how Apple will react to this regulation and when the operating system will undergo drastic changes.
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What do you think of the decision of the European Union? Do you think it’s right that Apple has to open their operating system or don’t you care anyway? We are interested in your opinion, so please write it in the comments below!
