iPhone May Soon Support Third-Party App Stores

Reports suggest that Apple is poised to introduce support for third-party app stores on its iOS platform in an upcoming software update. This development is largely driven by the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which aims to prevent large platforms from restricting software availability on their devices. The legislation requires that users be granted the freedom to install and utilize third-party applications, as well as sideload software directly, a capability that Apple has traditionally not allowed on its devices. This move would also give developers the flexibility to choose which app store to release their products on, potentially bypassing Apple's 30% commission on App Store sales. Companies have been given a deadline of March 6, 2024, to comply with the new rule. According to reports, Apple is considering implementing specific security requirements for external apps, including verification processes and potential fees. However, the company has not yet made a decision on whether to permit third-party payment systems, an issue that was at the center of a lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games last year. Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing in the UK regarding the ability of Apple and Google to limit cloud gaming on mobile devices, with concerns that the two companies hold a dominant position in mobile ecosystems and may restrict cloud gaming options on their platforms.