According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, in order to comply with EU regulations, Apple will allow EU users to download non-Apple App Store applications in the first half of next year. This approach, also known as sideloading, means users can download apps without using Apple’s App Store, so developers don’t have to pay Apple’s 15% to 30% fee.
Mark Gurman wrote in his latest newsletter, Power On, that Apple will introduce a “highly controlled system” through software updates that will allow EU users to install apps hosted elsewhere. As part of these changes, Apple will also reportedly revamp the Messages and Payments apps.
It is noted that the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) came into effect on November 1, 2022, requiring “gatekeeper” companies to open their services and platforms to other companies and developers. DMA will have a significant impact on Apple’s platform, potentially leading to major changes to the App Store, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and more.
Apple previously claimed that sideloading would “undermine the privacy and security protections iPhone users rely on” and leave people vulnerable to malware, scams, data tracking and other issues. But regardless of Apple’s stance, the company must comply with the DMA or face fines of up to 20% of its global revenue if it violates EU law.
If other countries introduce similar legislation, alternative app stores may expand beyond the EU. The United States, for example, is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow sideloading.
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