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Other AppStores Could Be Allow...

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Other AppStores Could Be Allowed On Apple Phones Before 2024

Tom Douglas
Tom Douglas

05:18 14 Dec 2022


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Apple is apparently about to let rival app stores set up shop on its iPhones and iPads.

Bloomberg reports the company could make the move late next year.

That would be to comply with "strict" new European competition laws coming in 2024.

Apple takes a cut from in-app purchases - but by allowing other stores on (this is called side-loading apps) developers might be able to skip that.

The iPhone maker has been fighting a number of legal battles with developers who accuse the tech giant of running a monopoly.

Timeline Credit: European Commission

What Law?

This EU Digital Markets Act will "put an end to unfair practices" according to the European Commission.

It says some companies will be classed as "gate keepers," which are pretty much a way for other companies to reach users.

So a phone maker could be a gate keeper, and an app developer is one of the other companies.

It specifically says gate keepers should not treat their own services "more favourably" to similar ones by other companies.

They're also not allowed stop people from removing pre-installed apps, or prevent customers from linking with businesses "outside their platforms."

That last bit is likely why Apple could open up store access to other groups - so as not to get into trouble over that "outside their platforms" bit.


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