If you have an iOS device, in 2024 you may have the ability to download apps from alternative sources to the App Store. Bloomberg points out that the Cupertino company is preparing to allow third-party stores on the iPhone and iPad.
This movement, according to the aforementioned medium, responds to comply with the strict requirements that the European Union is promoting for the coming years. The introduction of alternative stores would have a strong impact on Apple’s business model.
Apple faces a loss of fee income
If within two years users have the ability to purchase apps from third-party stores, doing so will allow them to avoid commissions of 30% that the Cupertino company imposes on transactions within its platform.
In addition, Apple’s response to European regulation would go against Apple’s forceful philosophy of only allowing the download and installation of applications from the App Store. In the case of sideloading, company executives such as Tim Cook and Craig Federighi have argued that would jeopardize the safety of users.
In order to allow third-party app stores, Apple will have to implement a fair number of changes to the operating system. In that sense, according to the source, the head of software engineering, Andreas Wendker, is leading the process. Jeff Robbin, the head of the software team, is also involved.
Mark Gurman points out that even if Apple supports third-party stores on iOS, it may still enforce certain security requirements. It even considers checking such apps before they can be installed. The latter would not be free. Those in Cupertino could charge a fee for security verification tasks.
Developing.
Images: James Yarema
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