It will be part of a major restructuring aimed at complying with stringent EU requirements that will come into effect in 2024. Currently, the changes are only for users in Europe, but they could later spread to the rest of the world if other countries pass similar laws.

what is known

Apple expects to change its app installation rules with the release of iOS 17, which will be released in 2023. According to people familiar with the situation, employees of the software development and service department are actively trying to unlock the core elements of Apple platforms. As part of the changes, users will be able to download third-party software to their iPhone and iPad without using the App Store, bypassing Apple’s restrictions and fees of up to 30% on payments.

It is very difficult for Apple to predict the consequences of such a historic step right now.

• On the one hand, the company has throughout its history rightly cited security issues that prohibit third-party app repositories and downloads from unknown sources. Thus, the company’s operating systems have always been better protected against malware than its main competitor Google, which allows installing applications on Android from apk files downloaded from any source. Therefore, users’ devices will now be at risk of a virus attack.
• On the other hand, it led to a de facto monopoly and market dominance. The company charges developers 30% for all transactions and threatens to remove those who add payments outside of the Apple ecosystem. App developers have no choice and have to abide by the company’s strict rules, charging higher prices for iPhone owners than Android users. Now Apple is likely to lose some of its revenue.