Newspulse

Apple is making significant changes to its iOS and App Store, driven by the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This FAQ provides essential information on the upcoming alterations, their global impact, and how users may experience these changes.

1. What Has Prompted These Changes?

• The EU’s Digital Markets Act has compelled Apple to modify how the App Store and iOS function in the EU. This includes allowing third-party app stores and sideloading.

2. When Will These Changes Take Effect, and Where?

• The alterations, set to be part of iOS 17.4, will launch in March and will be limited to EU-based iPhones initially. Other regions may follow suit based on ongoing legislative discussions.

3. What Are “Alternative App Marketplaces”?

• Instead of referring to third-party app stores, Apple terms them “alternative app marketplaces.” Users in the EU can download from these new stores and even set them as their default choices.

4. How Will Game Streaming Services Be Affected?

• Apple’s App Store changes globally permit game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna to be available directly in the App Store.

5. What Changes Are Expected in iPhone Web Browsers?

• In the EU, iOS 17.4 will enable browser apps to use engines other than Apple’s WebKit. This shift might introduce more competition among web browsers on iOS.

6. Will There Be a Significant Impact on App Prices?

• While third-party app stores will offer alternatives, apps must still undergo an approval process, and Apple introduces a new fee structure, including a fee for apps with over one million annual installs.

7. How Will Mobile Payments Change in the EU?

• Apple is allowing third-party banking and wallet apps access to the iPhone’s NFC powers in the EU. This could introduce more tap-to-pay options but may lead to increased competition.

8. Can Users Outside the EU Experience These Changes?

• Apple has implemented strict checks based on Apple ID billing address, current location, region settings, and device type to limit these changes to EU iPhones. Attempting to switch regions may not be effective.

Conclusion:
Apple’s adjustments in response to the EU’s regulations will have far-reaching implications, impacting app distribution, gaming, web browsing, and mobile payments. As these changes initially roll out in the EU, the global tech community will monitor potential worldwide adaptations.