Apple sets the deadline for updating applications from alternative stores outside the EU to 30 days

A few days ago, Apple officially released iOS 17.4, a major update that introduced alternative application markets or alternative App Stores to be able to install applications outside of the App Store, in order to comply with European law on digital markets. In addition, Apple assured that if we were outside the EU we would have a grace period to be able to update these applications, without specify ing how many days comprised this period. A few hours ago Apple updated the support document clarifying that there are 30 days in which we can update applications installed in alternative stores

if we are outside the EU.

If we travel outside the EU, we have 30 days to update alternative apps from the App Store.

iOS 17.4 has been with us for a few days and it is normal that Apple profiles some data that until now was not relevant to the user. One of these data was the time when we could update the apps installed in alternative stores when we were outside the European Union. Remember that to use this function of iOS 17.4, it is necessary to be physically in an EU territory in addition to hav ing an Apple ID from one of the countries that make up the EU.

In the first support document published, Apple assured that there would be a grace period during which the user could only update applications installed in stores other than the App Store, without specifying the number of days. The pressure exerted by social networks and questions from the media have made Apple specifies how many days this grace period will last, thus updating your supporting document:

If you leave the European Union, you can continue to open and use applications that you have previously installed in other application markets. Alternative app markets may continue to update apps for up to 30 days after you leave the European Union, and you may continue to use alternative app markets to manage previously installed apps. However, you must reside in the European Union to install alternative app markets and new apps from alternative app markets.

And, as we suspect, The user will have 30 days to update these applications. When a user is traveling, they will not be able to install new alternative stores, new applications from these stores, nor update applications when more than 30 days have passed since leaving the European Union. Of course, Apple guarantees that we can continue to use all applications even if they could not be updated.