Apple is forced to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, and recently announced major changes affecting the iOS operating system and the App Store. The US company finally released the official update last month.
The European Commission has extended the scope of the Digital Markets Act to include iPad tablets under development by Apple as part of its preventive measures against potential competition infringements. The US company is now required to ensure that its tablet ecosystem also complies with DMA regulations within the next six months.
Recently, Apple has made several changes to meet these requirements. The changes include new safeguards such as notarization of iOS apps, licensing of marketplace developers and disclosure of information about alternative payments to reduce risk and ensure a safer experience for users in the EU.
Additionally, Apple allowed developers to build alternative marketplace apps on iOS, giving them access to new app marketplace frameworks and APIs to securely source and get notarized apps from members of the Apple Developer Program. It allows users to download and install Marketplace apps from their websites with authorized browsers, integrate with system functions, back up and restore user apps, and more.
Now the European Commission wants Apple to make similar changes to the iPad ecosystem.
While Apple managed to block the latest update to the Spotify app on iOS, citing non-compliance with new App Store rules regarding external links for purchases, the DMA requires companies to allow external links for purchases, ensuring fair competition and consumer choice in the digital marketplace. in the market.
The European Commission’s move is part of a wider fight against tech giants such as Apple, Amazon, Meta and others to prevent their dominance of digital markets. The act, which fully entered into force in 2024. on March 7, aims to help third-party companies better communicate with consumers without so-called gatekeepers making business more difficult.
In order to comply with the DMA, Apple must address concerns raised by governments and users about the risks of allowing alternative app stores and payment processors to use iOS and iPadOS, while at the same time working to innovate and protect users under the DMA legal framework. In addition, the company is expected to eventually introduce new security measures (PDF) to reduce risk and keep iPhone and iOS as the most secure mobile platform for users in Europe.
