New EU Legislation Forces Apple to Allows Sideloading, Third-Party App Stores

According to the European Union’s recently introduced Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must allow users to install apps from outside the App Store, as confirmed by spokesperson Johannes Bahrke in a statement to The Verge

Apple

In addition to allowing third-party stores on its platform, Apple would also be forced to allow users to install apps from third-party sources, a practice commonly referred to as ‘sideloading apps,’ and to allow developers to use the App Store without using Apple’s payment systems.

While Apple has allowed Mac users to download apps from outside of App Store, it believes this approach isn’t appropriate on the iPhone since these devices carry more sensitive information

“We believe that the owner of a smartphone should have the freedom to choose how to use it,” said Bahrke.

“This freedom includes being able to opt for alternative sources of apps on your smartphone. With the DMA, a smartphone owner would still be able to enjoy safe and secure services of the default app store on their smart phones. On top of that, if a user so chooses, the DMA would allow a smartphone owner to also opt for other safe app stores.”

The DMA has not yet been voted into law by the European Parliament but is expected to be approved without much resistance.

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