Apple opens iPhone ecosystem in EU: What it means for consumers, developers

Apple has announced that it will bring changes to iOS, Safari browser, and the App Store in the European Union (EU) to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). With the new changes, iPhone users in the EU will get access to third-party App marketplaces, ability to change default browser, and set preferred payment method other than Apple’s for in-app purchases. Apple said the new changes will be limited to the 27 EU member countries and will roll out with the iOS 17.4 update in March. Here is a roundup of the changes coming to Apple iPhone platformplatform.  With the iOS 17.4 update, users in the EU will get the option to install apps from a third-party app stores that Apple is calling “alternative app marketplaces”.

Users will be able to download alternative app stores from the respective developer’s website. Apple said, the alternate app marketplaces can install and support software on iOS devices, access data across a catalogue of apps, manage user’s purchases and subscriptions, and more. However, developers managing these app marketplaces would need to meet Apple’s “Notarization” requirements, like other iOS apps. Apple said notarization is its review system for apps that ensure that the iOS apps are free of known malware, viruses, or other security threats. It includes a combination of automated checks and human review. Notarized apps will undergo checks during installation to check for user’s authorisation. If the app fails to comply with the Notarization regulations, the app will be prevented from launching and new installations will be halted.With the update, users will be able to manage the list of allowed app stores and installed apps from settings. Removing a third party app store will prevent app installations and updates from the developer’s website. Users can also set a third-party app store as their default app installation source.