Anyone who updates to iPadOS 18, available today, can now install third-party app stores and internet browsers in Europe.

Apple says that all iPad models eligible for an update to iPadOS 18 will have access to third-party app stores. In April, the European Commission ruled that this would include not only iOS (iPhone) but also iPadOS (iPad) Core Platform Service Is. Specifically, Apple needs to loosen the reins and allow external app stores and internet browsers.

Apple has had six months since April to get everything in order. The big update to iPadOS 18 is suddenly a good starting point. Does your iPad no longer support this update? Then you are unfortunately out of luck and are not entitled to the additional flexibility that Apple is forced to grant under pressure from the European Commission.

Any third-party app store must first be approved by Apple to prevent security issues from occurring. Developers who sell anything through such a third-party app store must have a Core technology fee to Apple. In the latter case, Europe launched an investigation in March to determine whether this violates the new law. To be continued…

Apple has not agreed with Europe’s new digital rules for some time and has made it known. For now, we will not have to count on Apple Intelligence, the AI ​​model that will arrive (in beta) with the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro and will be updated to the previous models. Also, Apple Visual Intelligence, which allows you to discover the world with your camera, will not come to Europe.