Following the promulgation of the Digital Market Act, Apple’s iOS 17 supports third-party applications, is said to be limited to EU countries, and is also ready to charge developers.
Recall that last year, the European Union passed the Digital Market Act to mandate Apple devices to be able to install software that is not from the App Store. As per the Act, it will be effective from March 2024.
According to several analysts, as early as feasible in June, Apple will release iOS 17, which will feature support for third-party app stores for the first time.
The renowned Mark Gurman went on to clarify, however, that Apple would only permit the service to be offered in the EU market, and it is anticipated that China and the US will momentarily lose out on it.
He said that if it weren’t for the EU’s legislation, Apple would never do something like this that puts itself in danger. After all, enabling independent retailers will hurt the App Store’s interests.
To achieve this, Apple is also thinking about taxing app developers that distribute their products through outside app stores. In other words, Apple must find a means to recoup some of what it loses from the App Store.
Since the launch of the first iPhone, Apple has underlined numerous times that the only way for apps to be installed is through the App Store. This is done for user security and protection. However, because users were limited in their options, particularly when compared to Android, several hackers had to create jailbreak technology.