Third-party app stores coming to iPads in EU next week
Apple has announced plans to permit third-party app stores on its iPad devices, starting September 16. This significant shift will be introduced with the upcoming release of iPadOS 18, the operating system specifically designed for iPads. The decision is a response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), a set of rules aimed at promoting market fairness and competition.
DMA and its impact on Apple
The European Commission identified six tech giants, including Apple, as "gatekeepers" due to their control over "core platform services (CPS)." Initially, three of Apple's products were labeled as CPS: iOS, the App Store, and Safari. Later in April this year, iPadOS was added to this list. Despite iPadOS user numbers not reaching the DMA's threshold for inclusion, the Commission used its discretion to include it due to significant locked-in effects for business users.
Apple's compliance with DMA regulations
Apple was given a six-month deadline to update iPadOS and ensure its compliance with the DMA. As a result of this directive, starting with iPadOS 18, users in the EU will have the option to install alternative app stores. Additionally, web browser developers will now be able to launch browsers for the iPad using their own browser engines.
Third-party app stores and browsers on iOS
Currently, five third-party app stores are available for iOS in the EU. AltStore PAL is one such example, being the first alternative app marketplace introduced on iOS in the region. It offers a variety of apps including video game emulator Delta, virtual machine UTM, and torrenting app iTorrent. For security reasons, apps must be notarized by Apple before they can be launched on these alternative platforms.
Apple's new business terms and fees for developers
Under the new system, app developers are required to agree to new business terms with Apple. They must also pay a "Core Technology Fee" above a certain threshold. Epic Games has already launched its own app store in the EU, allowing users to download and play popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys on their iPhones. The company plans to extend these offerings to the iPad as well.
