Apple has announced a series of important updates to the operating systems of iPhone and iPad devices, exclusively available to users in the European Union, these changes are possibly in response to EU legislation and standards or to meet the specific needs and preferences of users in this region.
Typically, such updates include modifications in data privacy, device compliance with European regulations, user interface adjustments, or the introduction of new features specifically designed to meet certain EU standards or requirements.
Exclusive EU Updates: Allowing Apps Outside the App Store
Among the notable changes announced by Apple is the ability for users in EU countries to download apps from sources outside the App Store, this includes allowing alternative app stores and providing multiple payment methods, a direct response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, this move represents a significant shift from Apple’s traditional approach, which was limited to using the App Store for downloading apps on iOS devices.
These changes aim to enhance competition and offer more choices to users, by allowing alternative app stores and diverse payment methods, Apple meets the EU’s requirements to promote openness and competitiveness in the digital market, this change may lead to a more diverse and choice-rich user experience while maintaining the security and privacy standards for which Apple’s products and services are known.
Apple’s Concerns About Privacy and Security
Apple’s decision not to extend changes allowing downloads from outside the App Store and the use of alternative app stores globally stems from concerns about privacy and security, these concerns include increased risks of malware and fraud exposure for users.
The App Store, as Apple asserts, provides a comprehensive system for monitoring and inspecting apps to ensure their safety and malware-free status, opening up the system to alternative app stores and external payment methods may increase risks related to privacy breaches, malware exposure, and fraudulent practices, therefore, Apple maintains its current policy outside the EU to uphold high security standards and protect user privacy.
Impact on Apple’s Ability to Detect Malicious Apps
Apple believes that the new changes permitting app downloads from outside the App Store, to be applied in EU countries, may negatively impact its ability to detect and prevent malicious apps, the App Store is known for its advanced security system and strict screening processes for apps before their release, reducing the risks of malware and fraud.
Moreover, Apple considers that opening the system to external sources for app downloads could complicate its ability to support users who might encounter issues with apps downloaded from outside the App Store, this includes challenges related to ensuring app quality, maintaining data privacy, and providing appropriate technical support.
This stance highlights Apple’s commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable ecosystem for its device users, even when this requires region-specific regulatory changes, like those in the European Union.
Security Guarantees in Alternative App Stores
Apple has set requirements for alternative app stores that will operate within its system, as part of the new changes implemented in EU countries, one of these requirements is undergoing an authentication process to verify the absence of malware in the apps offered by these stores, this means that Apple requires these stores to demonstrate their capability to screen apps and ensure their safety from malware before making them available to users.
However, Apple clarifies that it will not evaluate or review the content of apps offered in these alternative stores, this reflects a different approach than what is customary in the App Store, where Apple screens and reviews every app before approval, this change is part of adapting to European laws and regulations aiming to increase competition and provide more consumer choices.
Changes Limited to the European Union
The changes announced by Apple, including allowing app downloads from outside the App Store and permitting alternative app stores, will be exclusively available to users in EU countries, these changes will be part of the iOS 17.4 update, scheduled for release before March 7.
This update is a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which seeks to foster competitiveness and innovation in the digital market, the timing of this update reflects Apple’s commitment to complying with European laws and regulations while ensuring a safe and reliable user experience.
Exclusion of Users and Developers Outside the EU
Indeed, users and developers outside the EU will not benefit from the new changes announced by Apple, which include allowing app downloads from outside the App Store and enabling alternative app stores, these changes are designed specifically to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act and aim to enhance competition and innovation within the EU digital market.
Therefore, users and developers in other parts of the world will remain subject to Apple’s current rules and policies, which include using the App Store as the exclusive platform for downloading and distributing apps on iOS devices.
