Apple will soon announce policy changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act in Europe, with an upcoming implementation deadline of March. The DMA will force Apple to allow sideloading of iPhone apps, with the goal of reducing Apple’s monopolistic control over software on iOS.
However, it remains questionable how exactly it will go. The Wall Street Journal believes it has insight into Apple’s plans. Although the apps will be available outside of the App Store for the first time, the Journal says Apple still plans to charge fees and implement app review processes for side-loaded apps.
It’s not clear if the fees will be revenue-based commissions, just like in-app purchase fees.
For external links to US alternative payment systems, Apple currently asks developers to pay a 27% commission — although many developers initially thought they would be able to avoid Apple’s 30% commission if they didn’t use In-App Purchases.
It’s also unclear how Apple intends to review apps that aren’t distributed through the App Store. But if the report is accurate, it undermines much of the anticompetitive restrictions originally envisioned by the DMA. Apple would still be in charge, controlling what software runs on the iPhone and collecting royalties for each app.
From a technical perspective, Apple can do almost anything it wants, but it remains to be seen whether Apple’s implementation will be acceptable to lawmakers.
The Digital Markets Act is somewhat vague about how so-called ‘gatekeeper’ companies are allowed to comply. It is likely that after the deadline in March, the European Commission will follow additional requirements and measures. So Apple may not be able to maintain its restrictive control indefinitely. (In the US, Epic Games is currently challenging Apple’s 27% commission requirement for alternative payment methods in court.)
Apple is expected to officially announce iOS 17.4 soon, which will include sideloading capabilities in Europe.
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