Get the latest tech news

Apple is bringing sideloading and alternate app stores to the iPhone

Ahead of the DMA coming into force in March.

Today, Apple announced how it plans to change the rules for developers releasing iOS software in the European Union in response to the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) coming into force in March. Earlier this week, Spotify — a longtime critic of Apple’s 30 percent commission rate — announced plans to bring in-app purchases back to its iOS app to let users upgrade subscriptions or buy audiobooks in the EU after the DMA comes into force. Passed in 2022, the DMA is the EU’s strongest attempt yet to rein in the alleged anticompetitive practices of Big Tech companies, which the regulation refers to as “gatekeepers.” The EU designated Apple as a gatekeeper last September and listed its App Store, Safari browser, and iOS operating system as “core platform services” that would have to comply with the DMA’s rules.

Get the Android app