EU users of iPhones and iPads now have the capability to eliminate the Apple App Store from their devices.
As per companies' claims, only the App Settings and Device itself will be non-removable in the future. Yet, EU consumers can still modify settings in browsers, messaging services, calls, and various apps.
Apple's success largely stems from its range of devices working seamlessly together. However, users have been limited to using Apple's App Store or other in-house apps to access third-party offerings.
For over a year now, there's been a tussle between Brussels and the Apple corporation over the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with proceedings and threats. "The App Store's rules obstruct the DMA, they bar app developers from urging consumers to utilize alternative distribution channels for offers and content," the EU Commission lamented in a preliminary statement following an investigation.
If the EU validates this initial analysis and Apple fails to alter its App Store rules, the corporation faces a penalty of up to ten percent of its global revenue. Given last year's sales, this would amount to over 30 billion euros. In cases of repeated offenses, the EU even threatens penalties of up to 20 percent of global revenue. Last month, Apple announced changes.
Apple has long defended its closed system on the grounds of security concerns, asserting that users are safeguarded from malware infiltration and data breaches by this setup. In its announcement on the developer website, the company now explicitly stated that only alternative browsers can be offered on their devices if they meet specific "privacy and security standards".
Besides the EU, companies like the video game firm Epic Games and the streaming service Spotify also dispute the current Apple regulations, as they must pay a fee to Apple for installing their programs via the Apple App Store.
Despite the EU's concerns about Apple's App Store rules restricting developers, users can still discover various third-party apps on the Apple app store. However, in the future, users might not be able to modify settings within these apps as much, as only the App Settings and Device itself may be non-removable.
