UK Enacts Legislation Similar to DMA, Possibly Allowing Multiple Game Stores on iOS

Following its passage through the UK Parliament, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill may compel tech giants like Apple and Google to open their platforms to alternative app stores, including the Epic Games Store. The bill was approved on the eve of a general election scheduled for July 4. Key provisions of the bill mirror those found in the EU's Digital Markets Act, enacted in November 2022, which mandates that platform holders permit users to install third-party software and apps, potentially paving the way for competing marketplaces. In anticipation of the DMA, Apple announced plans in January to accommodate alternative app stores and payment systems on its iOS platform. By March, Apple, Google, and Meta were under EU scrutiny for suspected non-compliance with the DMA. Meanwhile, Epic Games is developing a mobile version of its storefront, slated to launch on iOS later this year, operated by Epic Games Sweden, as reported.