EU-based iPhone users will next year be allowed to download and install apps from outside of Apple’s official App Store, due to Apple’s requirement to bow to European regulations, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Loading an app from outside sources, known as “sideloading,” will be enabled sometime in the first half of 2024. By providing apps and in-app purchases outside of Apple’s App Store, the developers will no longer be required to pay Apple its 15 to 30% cut of the action.
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman said Apple will introduce a “highly controlled system” that lets EU users install apps hosted from other sources. Apple also will reportedly alter Messages and payment apps as part of the changes, likely via a localized iOS 17 update.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) went into effect on November 1, 2022. The DMA is a set of rules that specifically target tech Goliaths, including Apple, Amazon, Google, and others. The aim of the rules is to level the playing field for all companies.
The DMA will have a big impact on Apple’s platforms, possibly resulting in Apple making major changes to its App Store, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and more.
Even though Apple has warned regulators that sideloading will “undermine the privacy and security protections” that iPhone users rely on, leaving people vulnerable to malware, scams, data tracking, and other issues, the Cupertino firm must comply with the DMA or it risks fines equaling as much as 20% of its global revenue if they violate EU laws.