Apple opens up Appstore for iPhones ahead of EU law change

Apple has announced plans to overhaul the iPhone and its App Store with some of the biggest changes since it first launched apps in 2009.

The Californian company revealed that iPhone users in the EU will now be able to download apps from other sources for the first time, while also opening new methods for developers to monetise apps.

On the 40^th anniversary of Apple’s iconic Macintosh computer, the iPhone-maker revealed arguably the biggest shake-up of its $22 billion services business, in the face of pressure from the European Union.

Apple has been forced to make the changes in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act. It has long lobbied against these new rules, and as it announced the changes, it said that they subjected people in the EU to “many risks”. The changes will only impact users within the EU.

In its announcement, Apple warned that the EU’s new rules could “open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats.”

To combat this, Apple is unveiled what it calls new “protections” – including automised software scanner Notarization for iOS apps, an authorisation for marketplace developers, and disclosures on alternative payments.

The firm added that these security tools would “reduce risks and deliver the best, most secure experience possible for users in the EU.”

However, the US tech giant added that “even with these safeguards in place, many risks remain.”

Apple Fellow Phil Schiller added: “The changes we’re announcing today comply with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements in the European Union, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings.

“Our priority remains creating the best, most secure possible experience for our users in the EU and around the world.”

“Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer.”

Apple had faced criticism from the EU that its App Store was risk at being anti-competitive, with the new rules designating both the App Store and Safari as “core platform services” – meaning they needed to be more open for developers.

Supporters of the new legislation claim that the rules offer users more choice. Customers concerned with privacy or security can stay with the existing App Store and other technologies if they are convinced by Apple’s claims. However, Apple has said that customers could be forced to use other marketplaces to get to apps they need.

The announcement comes just ahead of the March 6 deadline which the EU’s Act imposed on companies impacted – which also includes Google-parent Alphabet, Amazon, TikTok’s owner ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft.

It comes at a major inflection point for Apple with its most significant new launch in years set to go on sale in the coming month. The Apple Vision Pro marks Apple’s entry into the VR/AR marketplace. The device – which was unveiled seven months ago – is due to go on sale on February 2.

In another announcement, Zoom revealed it is launching a version of its video calling platform to be used on the Vision Pro. Zoom’s Vision Pro app will launch alongside Apple’s new headset on February 2nd and let wearers use a digital avatar based on their face scans during video calls.