The iPhone App Store will be split into two parts – huge changes coming

Since the beginning of 2023 we know that apple She is forced to make a big change internal control DepartmentOS iPhone In particular in App Store.

Specifically the company iOS app stores and third-party stores must be allowedlike And sideloading applications. These changes will bring Apple's operating system closer to the Android philosophy, because for the first time in history someone will be able to download applications officially hosted outside the official App Store to their iPhone.

Now, more information about “how” and “when” Apple will implement all of this has been highlighted by very reliable Bloomberg reporter, Mark Gurman. In particular, through the latest “Run” newsletter. Gorman revealed this Apple is preparing to split the App Store “into two parts” in the coming weeks.

In particular, there will be the App Store, as we know it to this day, for the entire planet Special edition for iPhone owners in Europe. This separate European app store will allow users to install other app stores and sideload apps.

On the other hand, developers will also have more freedom, for example, the ability to integrate third-party payment systems into their applications, beyond those provided by Apple itself. Obviously, this will have major implications as it will allow developers to bypass Apple's 15-30% fees.

Behind this disruptive change – for Apple so far – lies the European Union, as happened with USB-C. Through the recently passed Digital Markets Act (DMA), the EU will implement several new measures this year, aimed at making digital markets more open. In reality, The final deadline is March 7Which means Apple still has about seven weeks to go.

At this point it is worth noting that Apple CEO Tim Cook met last week with the head of the European Union Antitrust Committee, Margrethe Vestager, at Apple Park. The meeting was clearly about all of these issues, and Vestager reminded Cook of Apple's impending commitment.

According to new EU legislation, Apple will have to allow iPhones and iPads the ability to run third-party app stores on iOS, as well as sideload apps downloaded from the Internet.

In this way, the DMA forces “custodial” companies to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers. In fact, Apple's DMA compliance could lead to major changes to many other aspects of its platforms as well, affecting Messages, FaceTime, and Siri as well.

For the record, Apple has previously argued that sideloading would “undermine the privacy and security” of iPhone users, exposing them to potential malware, fraud, data tracking, and other risks. However, the company must comply. Otherwise, they risk facing fines of up to 20% of their global revenue for violations of the law!