Apple could reportedly allow third-party app stores on iOS
According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a source who is usually pretty reliable when it comes to Apple rumors, Apple may allows alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads. This move is designed to help the company meet the strict requirements of the European Union’s Digital Markets and Services Act coming in 2024.
The Act requires the “gatekeeper companies” (Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, etc.) to open up their markets and allow users to download applications from the web. Although Apple has indicated that this move will pose a security threat, not to mention the negative implications it has on board in terms of privacy. On the other hand, developers may now be able to take full advantage of their apps since they no longer have to give Apple the 30% cut of their earnings.
Apple is preparing to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads, as part of a sweeping overhaul aimed at meeting strict EU requirements coming in 2024.@markgurman reports https://t.co/qtglfXsJFt pic.twitter.com/nsdlcrACRP
— Bloomberg Technology (@technology) December 13, 2022
Towards the end of last year, there was a report that indicated that Microsoft was about to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to the App Store. We already know that Apple has updated its App Store Terms of Service to allow game streaming apps, although they must first undergo rigorous scrutiny.
When Apple makes these changes, iOS users will be able to use browsers like Chrome with other browser engines. Right now, it’s limited to Apple’s WebKit. The Digital Markets Act also requires the company to grant third-party app access to the iPhone’s NFC chip because it is currently only available for Apple Wallet and Apple Pay.
That said, with this new development, if Microsoft manages to seal the Activision Blizzard deal, it could take advantage of this opportunity and also debut its ‘next-gen’ mobile game store on iOS.
However, according to the Bloomberg report, Apple still plans to keep some of the security measures it has in place to establish some control. This will ensure that the applications downloaded outside the App Store meet the set standard. The company also intends to retain the verification fee.
In related news, the European Parliament has also passed a regulation requiring Apple to switch its tablets and phones sold in the territory to USB-C by 2024. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
Via: Bloomberg
