Il EU Parliament has enacted new rules for digital platforms with the Digital Services Packagewhich they might force Apple to accept Third-party App Store on iPhone. If Apple has fought some antitrust measures in court in the past, Europe’s new laws could convince Apple to allow the opening of its mobile platform.
Apple could accept new app stores on iPhone after EU regulations
Apple has always explained that allowing you to download applications from other sources is a security risk. But at the same time, the cases Apple versus Fortnite and the legal battles in Korea and the Netherlands have raised doubts about Apple’s true intentions. On the App Store, Apple can dictate precise rules, including security. But he also gets one percentage on each product or service purchased.
Both seem to be factors in Apple’s decision: controlling the ecosystem increases security but also profits. However, the new EU rules could force Apple’s hand. The text speaks of “gatekeeper“, Companies that have control of large platforms. How iOS and the Apple App Store. Who risk billions in fines if they do not respect certain rules.
In the text of the law DMA (Digital Markets Act, one of two approved drafts) states that users must have the ability to remove pre-installed software. This could mean that Apple will have to allow you to uninstall Safari, Apple Podcast and even Siri and the App Store. Additionally, it will need to allow third-party apps and app stores to function on the platform.
If Apple does not comply with these measures, it would risk up to 10% of the previous year’s global revenues, up to 20% if it were to repeat itself. 10%, averaging over the past five years, would go from 13 to 16 billion dollars fine.
One solution for Apple could be to withdraw from the European market. But with net revenues last year hovering above $ 80 billion, we doubt that’s a viable path. More likely Apple will find a deal for open the third-party app store without compromising security. Perhaps asking for precise security standards from third-party software developers, approved by Europe.
The situation could get complicated and still remains to be defined. We will keep you posted.