We have a new report from Bloomberg that is just like I’m not believing it. Mark Gurman just posted that Cupertino is planning to allow for alternate app stores on iPhones and iPads for the first time ever, ahead of a European Union legislation.
The change would allow customers to download applications without needing to use the Appstore, which logically means the developers would not need to pay Apple’s 50% to 30% fees. And then Gurman said that the company will still plan to charge developers for access to iOS even when side loading.
However, the change won’t happen immediately. Instead, Cupertino is only planning to implement side loading support in the EU. So far, the change is coming because of a legislation just like the EU got Apple to adopt USBC.
Even if we’re still waiting for it, it seems that Apple probably could make the change globally. But it all depends. We’re not exactly sure. The United States, for example, is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow side loading, but they consider that side loading will undermine the privacy and security protections that iPhone users rely on, leaving people vulnerable to malware, scams, data tracking and more.
The Digital Markets Act that went into effect on November 1 will also have a major impact on Apple’s platforms, meaning that we could see some big changes made to Messaging, FaceTime, Siri and more.
And since Apple has until March 6, 2024 to comply with the EU’s rules, the Engineering and Services employees are working to open up key elements of Apple’s platforms while using a significant amount of resources for the change.
The report also stated that that Apple will have functionality ready for iOS 17 in 2023, which would put it ahead of the deadline. To protect users from the risks of side loading, Apple is considering implementing security requirements such as verification.
Finally, changes would also come to NFC in a limited way that would allow Apple Pay alternatives. And we could also see third party applications get access to the camera technology, and we could even see the company opening up FindMy network to Tile and other accessory makers.
And if you’re wondering what could happen if Apple doesn’t comply with the Digital Market Act, well, fines could be as high as $80 billion. But anyways, let us know. Would you want an iPhone that allows all these liberties?