Apple may allow third party App Store in iOS by new EU laws that are set in 2024. The European Union’s Digital Markets and Services Act describes installing applications outside official app stores, is a feature that may be affected by this change. Apple thinks that this will jeopardize security and privacy. US lawmakers are currently deliberating a similar law, the Open App Market Act, but it has yet to become law.
A person or group must be able to install third-party apps and change default settings on a company’s device or service if that company has a market value of at least €75 billion and at least 45 million monthly users in the European Union. That might lead iPhone and iPad users could download third-party apps without going through the App Store. Developers would then be able to avoid the company’s typical 30- and 15-percent commission on payments.
This means that Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are likely to be affected by this law.
In addition, companies must make it easier for users to change their default settings. This could mean that companies may have to include a pop-up window or other notification that allows users to select their preferred options. Companies must also make use of APIs (application programming interfaces) and other technology that make it easier for developers to create compatible apps.
Finally, the law requires tech companies with market valuations of at least €75 billion and at least 45 million monthly users in the EU to provide users with more information about how their data is used by third-party apps. This includes making sure that app makers clearly explain what data they are collecting, how it is being used and who has access to it.
