iPad: Sideloading, fully-fledged third-party browsers soon permitted in the EU
From iPadOS 18, users in the EU can also download their apps from sources other than just the App Store. Proper Safari alternatives will also be possible.
The iPhone led the way, now the iPad is following suit. On Monday, Apple will fundamentally open up the iPadOS with version 18 in the EU: as with iOS, users will then be able to download apps outside the App Store for the first time, for example from another app store or directly from a website. Other manufacturers will also be allowed to bring a browser with their own engine to the iPad. To date, all iPadOS browsers –, including Chrome and Firefox –, have to be based on Apple's WebKit.
iPad subsequently declared a gatekeeper by the EU
Apple has now announced these changes to developers. However, anyone wishing to use the new options for the distribution of their apps must also agree to Apple's new conditions. Apple also retains control over sideloading and alternative app stores: the platform operator checks every app for malware, among other things, as part of its expanded notarization system for iOS / iPadOS. The company also intends to continue earning money: Very popular apps have to pay a so-called "core technology fee": From 1,000,000 downloads, Apple will charge 50 cents per year for each additional new installation.
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iOS has been subject to the new rules of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe since March. Among other things, the law requires large gatekeeper platforms to open up to alternative app distribution channels.
iPadOS was originally not classified as a gatekeeper service by the EU Commission because the operating system was below the prescribed threshold of 45 million active users. However, following a market investigation at the end of April, the EU regulators came to the conclusion that the iPad is also a central platform for companies to reach end customers and that the number of users is close to the threshold and is likely to continue to grow. Accordingly, Apple was forced to open up the tablet operating system, which is largely identical to iOS, within six months.
First app stores, no browser engines yet
There are now four alternative app stores for iOS, although half of them are still in closed beta. A very popular app has only recently returned to the iPhone in this way: Epic Games has been offering the game Fortnite in its own Epic Games Store and on AltStore PAL since August. Major browsers such as Chrome and Firefox have prepared for the removal of the WebKit requirement, but have not yet brought their engines to the iPhone. One of the reasons for this is probably that they have to develop on two tracks, as Apple's browser engine is still mandatory outside the EU.
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