To satisfy the standards outlined in the Digital Markets and Services Act for the EU, Apple intends to implement significant changes to iOS as well as other goods and services. Cupertino is reportedly planning to restructure its platform in order to open up crucial parts, as reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. This will allow users of the iPhone and iPad to download applications from third-party app stores and websites.
It is anticipated that the modifications will only take effect in the 27 nations that are currently members of the European Union. However, these adjustments will set the stage for a potential extension of the services to other regions in the future.
New story: Apple is preparing to allow alternative app stores and side-loading on iOS — along with a slew of other changes to make the iPhone more open — in response to new European Union requirements arriving in 2024. https://t.co/hZpXrKdHGj
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 13, 2022
Considering that corporations have until 2024 to completely conform with the Digital Markets Act, it is likely that the plans for the changes will be released alongside iOS 17 in 2023. As part of the deployment, new online browsing engines will be brought to iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad. Additionally, the NFC chip, camera, Find My Network, and AirTag will be made available to a wider audience.
Gurman emphasized that even if developers do not release their programs through the App Store, Apple still intends to charge such developers for their work. Both the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act are proposed pieces of legislation with the goals of fostering equitable competition, improving protections for individuals’ privacy, and eliminating intrusive forms of targeted advertising. The steps that Apple has taken mostly come under the first act, which is intended to provide improved interoperability with competing services that are less prominent.
Let’s say Cupertino makes the decision that it won’t comply with the law that starts being enforced on January 1, 2024. In this scenario, the authorities could levy a fine equal to 10% of the company’s entire turnover around the world, with a 20% increase for further crimes.
