Apple to open iPadOS to third-party app stores in EU
Apple has agreed to the European Union's (EU) demand to make its iPad operating system (iPadOS) available to third-party app stores. This decision follows the European Commission's classification of iPadOS as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant is preparing for necessary changes within a six-month compliance period, ending on October 28. Despite iPadOS not meeting the criteria for inclusion under the DMA, the Commission has decided to apply its regulations to the operating sytem.
'iPadOS is an important gateway for companies'
EU's anti-competition regulator Margrethe Vestager clarified the Commission's stance by stating that despite not meeting the thresholds, iPadOS constitutes an important gateway on which many companies rely to reach their customers. This comes after Apple had already made iOS, its iPhone operating system, accessible to third-party app stores across all 27 EU member states. The company now intends to extend these changes to iPadOS. However, a specific date for this update has not been revealed yet.
Apple's new provisions for third-party app stores
The provisions for third-party app stores will mirror those currently offered to iOS developers, carrying identical terms. This means that developers will only be able to create third-party app stores or distribute iPad apps directly from their websites for users within the EU's 27 member nations. Additionally, Apple has revised its Core Technology Fee policy related to how many times an app is first installed during a year.
Apple's revised core technology fee policy
Under Apple's updated policy, if a user installs the same application on both their iPhone and iPad within the same year, it will count as a single install. The company has updated its developer documentation to reflect these changes and has also revamped its online fee calculator. This is to assist developers in deciding whether to adhere to Apple's existing App Store guidelines or accept the new EU business terms.
