Apple is preparing to launch third-party app stores

Apple is preparing to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads as part of a platform overhaul to comply with strict European Union regulations that will come into effect in 2024.

Software and maintenance staff are actively working to unlock key elements of Apple’s platforms, according to people familiar with the situation. As part of the changes, customers will eventually be able to download third-party software on their iPhones and iPads without using the company’s app store, bypassing Apple’s restrictions and the up to 30% fee it imposes on payments.

These moves are in response to EU laws aimed at creating a level playing field for third-party developers and improving the digital life of consumers. For years, regulators and software makers have complained that Apple and Google, which run the two largest mobile app stores, have too much power as so-called gatekeepers.

If similar laws are passed in other countries, Apple’s changes will take effect there too, however, according to insiders, the changes were originally designed only for Europe. The company is aiming to have the changes ready as part of next year’s iOS 17 update, which will be compliant.

To help protect against insecure apps, Apple is discussing the idea of ​​introducing certain security requirements even if the software is distributed outside of its store. Such applications must also be reviewed by Apple, a process that may incur fees. In the App Store, Apple receives between 15% and 30% of all revenue.

Apple is also working to open up more of its private APIs to third-party apps. For example, currently third-party web browsers, including Google’s Chrome, must use WebKit, Apple’s Safari engine. Under the plan to comply with the new law, Apple is considering repealing this. Apple is also working to open up other features to third-party apps, including additional camera technology and an NFC chip – at least to a limited extent. Currently, only the Wallet app and the company’s Apple Pay service can use the NFC chip for mobile wallet functionality. Apple has faced pressure to allow third-party financial apps to have the same experience.

However, the company has not made a decision on how it can open iMessage and its app to third-party services, another requirement of the Digital Markets Act. Engineers believe that such a change could damage end-to-end encryption and other privacy features offered by iMessage. The company is also not currently considering integrating RCS, the messaging protocol that Google and others are pushing Apple to do.

A representative of the company from Cupertino traditionally declined to comment on the upcoming changes.