After the European Union passed the Digital Markets Act and Antitrust Law, Apple will allow European users to install iOS apps outside of the App Store until March 2024. Apple has yet to say anything about how it will do this, but regulators around the world are also considering applying similar requirements to the company, and Japan could be next to do so. There is.
Japan wants to force Apple to allow sideloading on iOS
According to the report, nikkei asia Japanese regulators on Tuesday prepared an antitrust law that would require big tech companies like Apple and Google to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods for their apps. In other words, force Apple to allow him sideloading on iOS.
The bill is expected to be introduced in Congress next year and focuses on four areas: app stores and payments, search, browsers, and operating systems. If approved, the Fair Trade Commission will be able to impose fines on companies that violate the new law. Further details are expected to be revealed by spring 2024.
In 2020, the Japanese government launched investigations into Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook over antitrust concerns. That same year, many Japanese developers expressed dissatisfaction with the App Store’s business model. In 2023, Japanese regulators completed an investigation and concluded that the mobile app market is dominated by Apple and Google.
Local governments say the new law will allow Japanese companies to have their own app stores on platforms such as iOS and Android. Developers will also be able to choose payment systems from local fintech companies with lower fees.
Apple will soon have to comply with the EU’s DMA
Japan’s new antitrust law is in many ways very similar to the European Union’s Digital Markets Law. DMA requires Apple to allow developers to distribute their iOS apps outside of the App Store. Third-party apps also allow you to use third-party payment platforms for in-app purchases.
According to numerous reports, Apple is working behind the scenes to enable sideloading on iOS in regions where it is enforced. Unsurprisingly, the company has no plans to make sideloading available to everyone.
A few months ago, Apple’s vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi, acknowledged that Apple needs to comply with European Union law. But on other occasions, Federighi and other Apple executives have taken a stand against sideloading, arguing that distributing apps outside of the app store is dangerous for users.
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