The digital wall that has kept customers from installing non-App Store-approved applications to their iPhones is likely to crumble in Europe. However, according to a new claim, Apple is already planning to patch up the gaps left by European Union (EU) legislation, which means that sideloading may not be as free as we had thought.
First, let’s go back to April 2022, when the EU, which consists of 27 European countries including France, Germany, and Spain, agreed on the Digital Markets Act. It went into effect in November of that year and is intended to address issues about Apple’s control over which apps can and cannot be downloaded to iPhones.
By March current year (2024), platforms must comply with the EU’s criteria Face disciplinary action.
The law will not just apply to Apple. Google (which makes Android) and other platforms will also have to follow the new regulations, although unlike iPhones, Android phones can already install software that isn’t available in the Play Store, which is Android’s equivalent of Apple’s App Store. Sideloading refers to the practice of downloading apps from places other than the official app stores.
Apple has vehemently maintained its anti-sideloading policy, claiming that it makes iPhones safer and more virus-free. Its adversaries, such as Spotify, will publicly condemn its system as anticompetitive because the App Store charges up to 30% commission on all purchases made through it, giving Apple’s apps an unfair advantage.
According to a Wall Street Journal report (behind a paywall), Apple’s current plans will still grant them control over programs purchased outside of the App Store. Additionally, it intends to charge fees for certain apps. So there may not be much difference between App Store and non-App Store apps.
The specifics have yet to be released, but Apple will most likely be able to maintain this level of control by including additional regulations into its developer tool license agreement. You need these tools to create working iPhone apps, whether you publish them through the App Store or not. Apple could comply with the new laws by changing the license agreement to include the checks and restrictions it normally imposes on the App Store, without significantly changing the situation.
As with all leaks, we should take this report with a grain of salt. We don’t know what method Apple will take, or whether the EU will consider this disclosed approach compliant, but recent experience suggests Apple will do the bare minimum.
Earlier this year, Apple was obliged to enable developers to refer app users to payment systems other than its own, which now takes 30% of most third-party payments (small firms pay a 15% fee). The kicker? Apple will charge a 27% commission for payments processed through an alternative mechanism. Many developers have claimed that this will make no difference due to the inconvenience and lack of incentive.
Not European? You should still care
If you live in the United States or the United Kingdom after Brexit, you’re probably wondering what all this EU legal stuff has to do with you.
First and foremost, it would not be the first time that EU action has impacted the iPhone for all users. The iPhone 15 models only had the USB-C port switch because of EU legislation, and issues in European countries concerning tech repairability prompted Apple to announce Self Service Repair everywhere.
Even if Apple decides to digitally restrict these App Store modifications to just the EU, other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, are likely to follow suit. And if you have one of the finest VPN services installed, there’s a chance you may make Apple believe you’re in the EU and compel it to grant you access to software that is not available on the App Store. So be on the lookout for changes to how you can use your iPhone in March, but don’t expect anything major.
