XPost: misc.phone.mobile.iphone
If true, we need to get ready for a deluge of crap-quality,
malware-infested garbage coming to Apple devices ... just like already
happens on Android and Windows. :-(
(Apple of course already allows installing Mac apps from anywhere,
although there is the Gatekeeper security to help keep out the worst
malware.)
Apple preparing for third-party app stores by 2024
--------------------------------------------------
Apple is reportedly bracing itself for European Union law changes
that will come into force in 2024, and is preparing for third-party
app stores to exist on the iPhone and iPad.
The introduction of the Digital Markets Act by the EU will stands
to cause major changes for app marketplace operators like Apple,
specifically by allowing third-party app stores to exist on iPhone
and iPad. With the rule changes on the horizon, Apple is said to be
getting ready to fall into compliance.
Engineers on software and services teams within Apple are allegedly
pushing to open up a number of key parts of Apple's platforms to
allow for future compliance with the rules, people familiar with
the work told Bloomberg on Tuesday.
The Digital Markets Act applies to companies who provide browsers,
messaging services, or social media to at least 45 million monthly
end users in the EU. At the same time, they must have 10,000 annual
business users, a market cap of at least 75 billion euros
($82 billion) or a yearly turnover of 7.5 billion euros
($8.2 billion).
The EU is expected to announce which companies classify as
gatekeepers that must follow the rules in spring 2023, and will have
six months to comply with the law. Due to Apple's size and vast
customer base, it's almost certain that Apple will be part of that
group.
The report claims that the changes will enable third-party app
stores to be used without the App Store itself. Doing so would
allow apps to avoid Apple's various App Store-based restrictions
for security and safety, as well as the 30% store commission it
collects.
Andreas Wendker, a VP reporting to Craig Federighi, as well as
engineering manager Jeff Robbin who reports to Eddy Cue, are
reportedly involved in the push.
Apple is also claimed to be putting "a significant amount of
resources" into the effort, though some engineers apparently see it
as distracting from feature development.
It is expected that the feature changes could arrive in an update
to iOS 17.
A "Just in case" move
The report claiming that Apple is working to comply with a law in an
area in which it does business makes sense from a preparatory
standpoint. Apple starting to develop the ability to load apps from
other sources outside the App Store is clearly being done to be in
compliance with the EU laws mandating it.
Apple will likely fight the requirement until the day it is required.
The company has frequently called alternative stores and jailbreaking
a security threat for users, and it seems unlikely to change its
attitude regarding that position.
Apple developing a solution to prepare for the future, does not mean
that it will see the light of day. It also doesn't mean that it will
make the ability available world-wide.
Should it succeed in its fight, it probably won't launch at all.
That's not all, folks
While the App Store and side-loading will be the biggest scalps
critics of Apple will claim from the Digital Markets Act changes,
there are a number of other provisions that Apple will also have to
deal with.
For example, Apple will have to make changes to enable third-party
payment platforms, rather than its own in-app payments system.
It will also need to open up its various services and features to
others, such as allowing app integration with iMessage, or to set
another digital assistant as the default instead of Siri.
Then there's access to hardware features typically restricted or
blocked off to apps. This could include granting more access to the
iPhone's NFC system, which would enable alternative wallet apps and
payment systems to compete against Apple Pay directly on the iPhone
itself.
There can be changes that prevent Apple from giving its own apps
preferential treatment over others, such as minimizing how Apple can
promote Apple Music or Apple Arcade in the App Store.
Other restrictions on default apps and forcing the use of specific
frameworks or browser engines could also be lifted under the same
alterations.
There is a hefty incentive to compliance for Apple. Those who
violate DMA rules could face a fine of up to 10% of their annual
global turnover.
<
https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/12/13/apple-preparing-for-third-party-app-stores-by-2024>
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)