Previously, we reported that the European Union (EU) is planning to force tech companies to do more changes on their mobile devices, including allowing third-party app stores, app sideloading and message interoperability. Well, after confirming that it will comply with the EU’s USB-C law, it looks like Apple is also gearing up to adhere to this latest ruling and reportedly preparing to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone.
This is according to reliable tipster Mark Gurman, who claimed that Apple is planning to comply with the EU’s new law, called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which will become a requirement in 2024. Writing in his column on Bloomberg, Gurman asserted that Apple’s software engineering and services employees are currently engaged in a major push to open up the company’s software platform.
These changes also mean that Apple has to give access to NFC chips, cameras, web browsing engines, Find My Network and other areas of Apple’s software. Nevertheless, Gurman said that Apple is still planning to charge developers for access to iOS even after being forced to allow sideloading under the law.
The EU’s DMA is meant to enact “rules for digital gatekeepers to ensure open markets”, with companies having to comply by 6 March 2024 at the latest. However, given that it will only be applicable in Europe, Gurman said that Apple is only initially planning to apply the changes to its devices sold in the region.
Nevertheless, the project could lay the groundwork for other regions should similar approaches be enforced in other countries. Of course, do take this information with a grain of salt as Apple has not confirmed anything just yet.
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