Apple Adjusts iOS, Safari, and App Store for Compliance with EU Digital Market Act
This article comes from cooperative media United News Network INSIDE Reprinted with permission.
In order to comply with the regulatory restrictions of the European Union’s Digital Market Act (DMA), Apple has made adjustments to iOS, Safari, and the App Store. It is generally believed that the latest iOS 17.4 will be released soon, bringing a major change to EU users. However, Apple has also begun to remind employees to avoid discussing related issues with users in other regions.
Apple issued an announcement on January 25 stating that future changes to the iOS system, Safari, and App Store in the EU market will allow EU users to download APPs (sideloading) from third-party stores or platforms other than the App Store. Developers can also start using the NFC chip of “Tap to Pay” on the iPhone. However, this major change is in response to the EU’s “Digital Market Law” that will take effect on March 7 and is only applicable to users in the 27 EU countries (excluding the UK).
Regrettably, users outside the 27 EU countries cannot enjoy the above experience. “Bloomberg” technology reporter Mark Gurman said in the latest issue of Power On that Apple knows that users in other regions will also want these features, so it reminds AppleCare and customer service personnel to be fully prepared for relevant questions and not to speculate on what is available in regions outside the EU. When will it open up and if it will happen, avoid talking about the topic.
In short, unless Apple is once again forced to do so, the possibility will never happen. Apple emphasizes that opening sideloading and installing third-party apps may increase risks and endanger the security of users and the platform. But reduced App Store revenue may be Apple’s bigger worry.
Editor in charge: Sisley
Copy editor: Mia
Further reading:
Stay tuned for more updates on Apple’s adjustments to comply with the EU Digital Market Act.