Apple Could Allow EU Users To Sideload Apps In The Coming Weeks, Along With A Different App Store،
The European Union's scrutiny of Apple's operations has led to many changes. For example, the latest iPhone 15 series has a USB-C port instead of the outdated Lightning port on older models. Now, the EU has ordered the company to reduce payment restrictions on the App Store and allow sideloading for users. Both changes could come to users in the region in the coming weeks.
The App Store will be divided into two versions
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple could split the App Store in two: one version available in the EU and the other available everywhere else. This change could occur in the coming weeks. The new version of the App Store will allow developers to add third-party payment gateways. Additionally, it should also promote valid offers outside the App Store. Currently, the company charges huge platform fees for transactions.
iPhone users in the EU could soon download apps
Under the EU's Digital Markets Act, users in the region can also download apps, allowing them to download apps outside of Apple's App Store. This is a massive development, considering Apple hasn't allowed users to download apps from unverified sources since the beginning. However, Android users have been able to sideload apps by downloading and installing APK files from the Internet.
Apple must meet March 7 DMA deadline
Although Gurman does not mention a timeline for the sideloading change, Apple has no choice but to comply with the DMA deadline of March 7, 2024 to allow sideloading. Therefore, EU users should be able to download and install third-party apps before the stipulated date. It is important to mention that the changes will only affect the EU. Other regions like the US or India will continue to have a restricted App Store and no options to download apps.
However, if other countries adopt similar decisions, it could force Apple to release the new App Store and the ability to download apps in those regions. More recently, reports suggest that the Indian government has urged Apple to introduce Type-C charging in its older iPhone models in circulation.
However, the company responded that this could hamper local iPhone production goals. However, if the government insists or makes it a law without which the company cannot sell iPhones in the region, we could see a USB-C port on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models.
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