Apple is preparing to allow third-party app stores on iPhones, iPads: Report

Apple is reportedly planning to let users install alternative app stores on their iPhones and iPads in order to comply with the European Union‘s (EU) Digital Markets Act (DMA). The act seeks to level the playing field for third-party developers in the region.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that the switch, along with a slew of other changes such as sideloading apps (installing an application from outside the App Store), is aimed at making the iPhone more open. This shift will be a milestone change given that Apple has allowed iPhone and iPad users to download apps only from the App Store.

App Store changes for Europe only
Gurman notes that Apple will bring these changes only in the EU region to comply with the DMA. The act will force the Cupertino-based company to include third-party stores on its platform, enable users to install apps from third-party sources (sideloading) and allow developers to use the App Store without using Apple’s payment systems.
Currently, Apple allows users to only download apps from the App Store and takes up to 30% cut for purchases.
In March, European Commission spokesperson Johannes Bahrke said that they believe the owner of a smartphone should have the freedom to choose how to use it. “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 smartphones. On top of that, if a user so chooses, the DMA would allow a smartphone owner to also opt for other safe app stores,” Bahrke said.
Other countries may follow the suit
It should be noted that if similar laws are passed in more countries, Apple’s “project could lay the groundwork for other regions.” Gurman also said that changes “would also come to NFC chip and camera access, Find My network for rivals to the AirTag, web browsing engines and other areas of Apple’s software. The company still plans to charge developers for access to iOS even with side loading.”

Apple to bring USB-C on iPhones
The development comes a few days after the EU announced the deadline for all smartphone companies, including Apple, to shift to USB-C charging port for wired charging. This means that Apple will have to give up its Lightning slot in favour of the new standard.
Apple has already said that they would make changes, however, they will not have to include any type of charging port in case they switch to completely wireless charging.

Who’s next? Google?
Just like Apple, Google also enjoys a monopoly when it comes to downloading and installing apps. It also forces users to install apps from the Google Play Store and follow its payment route.
Both Apple and Google have argued that sideloading apps pose a threat to users as sideloading apps will bypass the security and privacy measures laid down by both the app stores – making users vulnerable to cyber attacks. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that sideloading would “destroy the security of the iPhone.”