There are many differences between Android phones and iPhones, but one of the most striking is that Apple's mobile devices force users to enter the App Store system. Due to new European Union laws, this will soon change, as Apple is making changes that will allow third-party app stores on iPhones and iPads, which will hurt the company's app commissions.
Read on to learn how apps in the Google Play Store have become less secure after a review of the data privacy policy.
Apple's plans for third-party app stores
Apple's Software Engineering and Services team is reportedly working to make the Apple platform more open. This would allow iPhone and iPad users to download third-party software that doesn't have to go through the App Store.
Apple, in particular, has fought this policy in court, where it faced Epic Games And its battle to manage Fortnite's business the way it wanted in the App Store. Developers and regulators have long-standing grievances that Apple—and even Google—holds too much power over how they manage their app stores.
Apple is reportedly devoting significant resources to this project, which it previously referred to as "sideloading." Some engineers working on enabling third-party app stores see it as a distraction from developing new features, but Apple would like to see the changes included in iOS 17, which could be ready by next September.
While Apple has argued that allowing sideloading could lead to its users downloading unsafe apps onto their iPhones and iPads, it has an idea to help. Apple is considering requiring apps to comply with security standards, even if they are downloaded outside the App Store. They may require verification, which could allow Apple to collect a hefty commission.
The European Union asked technology companies
The European Union passed the Digital Markets Act in September, which came into effect on November 1. It requires tech companies to change their policies to allow third-party apps and make it easier to change default settings. Additionally, messaging services need to work together.
Apple will not be required to comply with the Digital Markets Act until 2024. The United States has sought to pass similar regulations but has not taken the steps taken by the European Union.
Other potential changes at Apple
While Apple is reportedly working on allowing third-party app stores and opening up more APIs, it has not made a final decision on what it will do. It also hasn't decided whether to allow third-party payments, as that would deprive Apple of its often-astonishing 30% commission.
Additionally, Apple is looking to open up more features to third-party apps, such as those related to the camera and its NFC chip. The Wallet app and Apple Pay These are the only two features that can use the chip, but there has been pressure on Apple to allow access to third-party financial apps. Apple is also considering further opening up the Find My network to third-party accessories, including Tile, which competes with the Apple AirTag.
The company has not decided how to address the Digital Markets Act's requirements regarding messaging. It has so far resisted Google's insistence that it use the same technology, RCS. Apple is concerned that opening up to other services will compromise end-to-end encryption.
And that's what it all comes down to. While some people claim Apple is just trying to get more business, the company always insists that it cares about its users' privacy. Apple will have to walk a tightrope between keeping users happy and keeping their privacy safe.
