iPhone is exempt from the EU
Apple had resisted for years, but now the Californian manufacturer is finally giving in and finally giving up its resistance – alternative app stores on the iPhone should actually be available soon. However, this does not happen entirely voluntarily. We can thank those responsible in the EU for the liberation of the iPhone.
According to current information, even before the EU law on digital markets, also known as the “Digital Markets Act”, takes full effect alternative app stores allow on the iPhone and with it the so-called “side loading” enable by apps. So the installation of applications apart from the currently valid App Store obligation (source: Bloomberg).
Alternative app stores on the iPhone already with iOS 17
According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on the EU guidelines already with iOS 17 to implement and thus enable the iPhone to be opened up to other providers as early as 2023. Otherwise, the manufacturer would theoretically have until March 6, 2024.
Important to know: All of this applies first only for iPhones in Europe. However, if other countries introduced similar laws, the possibility of alternative app stores could spread further beyond the European Union. For example, the USA is also considering legislation that could oblige Apple to allow “sideloading”. Ergo: Apple would only have to fundamentally integrate the technical basis within iOS.
The current system version for the iPhone offers many new features, but apps still only get onto the cell phone via the App Store:
A big undertaking for Apple. Accordingly, the manufacturer plans with “a considerable amount of resources”. There is a risk that new features of iOS 17 could be left behind as a result. Given the possible penalties in the event of a violation of the “Digital Markets Act”, however, the priorities are clearly divided. In the worst case, Apple would have to fork out up to 20 percent of global sales – penalties of up to 80 billion dollars are threatened. No small thing for Apple either.
The app store is not the only focus
By the way: The new legislation should not only lead to alternative app stores on the iPhone, but also the Opening of further key technologies such as Messages, FaceTime, or Siri is therefore in the room. In short, Apple will be forced to share its crown jewels with the rest of the market.
These apps are still only available directly from Apple:
But the EU does not only hold Apple responsible for the software. The future waiver of the Lightning connector on the iPhone has also been decided. USB-C is becoming a must and Apple will follow suit. Most likely, the iPhone 15 should already have the standardized connection.
