will there be alternative App Stores soon?

Alternative App Stores are likely to be allowed on iPhones soon. Where did this rumor come from and what does it mean for the App Store?

Apple is preparing for multiple App Stores

For years, the pressure on Apple has been increasing due to the monopoly the company has in the App Store. The United States and the EU therefore launched an investigation a few years ago into Apple’s unfair competitive position. This research was much needed, because Apple’s power has grown so great that the company can demand sky-high rates that sideline small developers.

This rate obliges developers to donate 30 percent of sales to Apple if a user makes a purchase through an iOS app. Because Apple users can only download applications via the App Store, developers must place their apps in the App Store. If they don’t, they’re missing out on a huge audience. Developers can now not ignore these rates.

Alternative App Stores available in 2024

The United States and the European Union are now looking at whether Apple’s competition still has a fair chance. Apple does not yet allow multiple App Stores and apps cannot be downloaded from the Internet on the iPhone. The European Union is therefore already preparing steps that should oblige Apple to adjust this regulation.

This new legislation is likely to be passed in 2024, so it is expected that Apple will introduce a new regulation for downloading apps that same year. European legislation gives Apple two choices: apps must be able to be downloaded from the internet or more App Stores must be added. Apple is expected to choose the first option.

Benefits of alternative App Stores: more choice

The advantage of the new scheme is easy to guess: as an iPhone user you will soon have a choice of more apps. Now you are still dependent on the apps that Apple does (or does not) allow in the App Store, later you decide for yourself which apps you want to download from the internet. So the choice increases sharply.

Another advantage is that small developers now also get a chance. They can then put their app in an alternative online App Store, so iPhone users still have an option to install the app. This larger selection also creates more competition among developers, so they have to make a good app. After all, there is plenty of choice from other apps when an app does not work properly.

Disadvantage of more Stores: less supervision

The major drawback of the introduction of alternative App Stores is that Apple has less control over what can be downloaded on iPhones. Now Apple regulates the App Store, so you can be (almost) sure that you are downloading a reliable app. With the disappearance of this supervision, this certainty also largely disappears.

Within the maze of future alternative App Stores, you must therefore be careful from which website and from which source you install the application. It is virtually impossible for Apple to check all applications if you will soon be able to download apps from the internet. In addition, Apple no longer supervises the prices that developers ask for their app, so prices may change.

What is the consequence for the App Store?

The introduction of more alternative App Stores has major consequences for the App Store. Now developers have no choice and they have to use the App Store, soon they will have the choice where they offer apps. The App Store must therefore be redesigned, so that it remains attractive for both users and developers to buy (or sell) the apps there.

Apple will therefore have to get to work and rediscover the App Store if this new legislation actually comes into effect. In any case, it looks as if we as customers are reaping the benefits of the new policy.

The quality of the apps will improve and the range will increase, but you have to stay focused on the source that the app offers. For now, we have to make do with at least one App Store.

Always stay up to date with the latest Apple news? Then keep an eye on the website and download our free iPhone app. You can also register for our newsletter.