Berlin, Germany – The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has brought significant changes to the iPhone ecosystem for users in the EU. Now, iPad users in the region can expect similar modifications following the EU’s designation of platforms as gatekeepers to prevent monopoly abuses.
While these changes will only affect users in the EU, they serve as a potential model for other governments considering similar legal actions in their countries. The European Commission’s decision to designate iPadOS as a gatekeeper platform under the Digital Markets Act will see Apple implementing the same iOS changes for apps on iPad later this fall.
According to Apple, developers in the EU can opt for Alternative Business Terms for Apps, allowing the existence of alternative app marketplaces for users to download apps beyond the Apple App Store. Moreover, users will have the freedom to choose their preferred browser for the device, with no limitations on WebKit-based browsers, a departure from the current restrictions in the US and UK.
The changes also extend to allowing users to select their preferred default search engine, reflecting a shift in the digital landscape within the EU. Additionally, contactless payment methods will expand beyond Apple Wallet and Apple Pay, enabling developers to utilize NFC technology in banking and wallet apps across the European Economic Area.
Developers in alternate marketplaces must pay a Core Technology Fee for downloads exceeding one million installs, with Apple clarifying that installing the same app on both iPhone and iPad counts as a single install, thereby potentially reducing the fee burden for developers.
While many developers may continue to adhere to the App Store exclusively, the move to incorporate these changes on the iPad could usher in a new era for app development and distribution. The implementation of these regulations signifies a broader shift in how Apple devices function in the EU, prompting speculation on whether other countries will follow suit in imposing similar laws to regulate tech giants like Apple.