Apple’s stringent control over its App Store is on the verge of being challenged as regulations are poised to permit sideloading on iOS. The European Union has already passed legislation allowing iPhone users to install apps from sources outside the App Store, and Japan is reportedly gearing up to follow suit with antitrust laws that would impose similar rules on Apple in the region.
Nikkei Asia reports that Japanese authorities are preparing antitrust legislation that would compel Apple and Google to open up iOS and Android, respectively, for the installation of apps from sources other than their official app stores. This move not only challenges Apple’s app store guidelines but also allows users to opt for alternative payment methods for in-app purchases. The changes in the EU are expected to take effect by March 2024, placing additional pressure on Apple.
While Apple has not officially commented on the implementation of these changes, it would likely need to establish specific regulations for developers to ensure their apps comply with app store guidelines. However, concrete details about Apple’s strategy in response to these developments remain scarce.
The new report suggests that Japanese regulators are gearing up to introduce antitrust legislation that will mandate Apple and Google to open up their app stores for sideloading apps on iOS and Android, breaking their monopoly in the field. Sideloading apps is just one aspect; the legislation also requires Apple and Google to provide alternative payment methods for apps. This could pose a threat to the companies’ revenue streams, as both Apple and Google currently charge a portion of the app’s price for using their respective payment systems.
In the coming year, the legislation is expected to be presented to the Japanese parliament, covering various aspects such as app sideloading, payment methods, search, browsers, and operating systems. The approval of antitrust legislation remains uncertain, and its potential impact on app store ecosystems awaits clarification.
If the legislation passes, Japanese companies may gain the ability to integrate their app stores on iOS and Android. Users could also benefit from lower app prices through third-party payment methods. It was previously reported that Apple is working to enable app sideloading in regions where it faces regulatory pressure. However, there’s no indication of Apple’s plans for app sideloading and external payment methods in other regions.
While Apple is expected to comply with the laws of the European Union and implement changes, the question remains whether the company will reevaluate its app store guidelines concerning app sideloading. Apple might also introduce new fees for in-app purchases made through external methods. Further updates on these developments will be provided as they unfold.
