According to the Enhanced Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has to do this now Providing iPad support for features such as downloading applications not available in the App Store from alternative sources and developer portals.

This also includes the ability to use browsers based on third-party engines. The technology giant is expected to implement these changes in six months.

It was to be expected

Previously, these obligations only applied to iPhone devices. Apple has introduced support for alternative app stores on the iPhone, allowing software distribution through developer sites and allowing alternative browsers to be used in iOS 17.4 and 17.5 updates to comply with the Digital Markets Act.

The European Commission found it necessary to extend these rules to iPad tablets, citing their important role in the digital market. Thus, iPad users in the EU will now be able to download applications bypassing the App Store.

There will also be support for alternative browsers and browser engines from third-party developers, unlike Apple’s current limitation to its own WebKit engine.

In the past, some companies have raised concerns about Apple’s implementation of DMA rules for the iPhone, arguing that certain barriers and fees prevent full compliance with the rules. Spotify specifically emphasized its obligation to pay Apple an annual installation fee for apps distributed outside the App Store.