Apple will enable users to download from third-party marketplaces beginning in March.
The arrival of iOS 17.4 will see different marketplaces be available in all 27 EU countries, in order for the tech giant to meet the conditions of the EU’s new Digital Markets Act.
Every app from outside of the App Store has to meet “Notarization requirements” — including being reviewed by a human for safety and authenticity — before being downloaded to iPhones.
Last month, Google and Apple were among the tech firms asked to explain their risk management protocol for Google Play Store and the App Store.
The European Commission wanted to know exactly how the two firms will meet the terms of the Digital Services Act with their respective app platforms.
“The Commission is requesting the providers of these services to provide more information on how they have diligently identified any systemic risks concerning the App Store and Google Play,” the EU executive said in a statement.
Google and Apple had until Jan. 15 to provide their answers.
The EU request came after Google lost against Epic Games in its antitrust case after it was ruled that the Google Play store is a monopoly.
Tim Sweeney’s firm scored a major victory after the federal jury found that Google had a monopoly over Android apps.
The verdict was reached at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco in December, where it was agreed that Google had the upper hand in distribution and in-app billing services markets and that it impacted Epic’s business.
“Victory over Google! After 4 weeks of detailed court testimony, the California jury found against the Google Play monopoly on all counts. The Court’s work on remedies will start in January. Thanks for everyone’s support and faith! Free Fortnite!” CEO Sweeney wrote. reacting to the win on X, formerly Twitter.
However, Google planned to appeal the case.
“The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles. We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem,” said Wilson White, Google VP of government affairs and public policy.
Back in September 2021, a judge ruled that there was no evidence Apple’s App Store was a monopoly after Epic sued the firm.
