As per the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new rule will
require digital gatekeepers to ensure open markets in Europe. What this means
for tech giant Apple is that it will begin allowing its users to install
alternative app stores on iOS in the region; which is something that Apple has
never before done, as it has only allowed access to its native App store on its
devices.
If similar laws are passed in additional countries, Apple’s project could lay the groundwork for other regions. But the company’s changes are designed initially to just go into effect in Europe.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 13, 2022
Passing of the EU’s DMA law would also mean that Apple will have to allow installing of software downloaded from the web as well, which is what the company’s executives have previously termed as “a cybercriminal’s best friend.”
Reportedly, the EU has a somewhat complex schedule laid out for companies that are to comply with the law. In the press release, the EU stated that the latest date to comply with the act is March 6th, 2024.
Bloomberg has reported that Apple might work a way around
the EU law, such as charging a fee or mandating certain security requirements
for verification of third-party apps.
Some other issues as a result of the law that Apple yet has
to make decisions for are whether or not to let developers install third-party
payment systems in apps, how to make iMessage interoperable with other
services, and opening up its Find My network to more location accessories like
Tile.
As reported by Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple’s compliance
with the upcoming law will happen with its iOS 17 update that is expected to
launch next year.
