In anticipation of the Digital Markets Act’s enforcement in March, Apple is set to implement a series of measures that include charging extra fees and imposing restrictions on third-party apps downloaded from sources other than the App Store, according to insights from The Wall Street Journal. The impending legislation will empower third-party developers to offer iPhone apps without the obligatory direct download from Apple’s App Store, prompting companies like Meta, Spotify, and Microsoft to strategize their approach to leverage this transformative change.
Meta envisions allowing users to download apps directly from Facebook ads, while Spotify is likely to provide the option to download its app through its website. Microsoft, on the other hand, contemplates the possibility of launching its own third-party app store specifically for games. Interestingly, Apple intends to adopt a model akin to its approach in the United States, where third-party payments are permitted but subject to a 27% fee and stringent guidelines.
In this proposed model for Europe, Apple aims to retain a “close oversight of apps downloaded outside the App Store.” The company plans to review each app acquired from external sources and collect fees from developers offering downloads beyond the App Store’s confines. The controversial move mirrors the strategy implemented in response to a court ruling in the United States, where developers expressed discontent with Apple’s stringent fee structure.
Apple’s preparations for these changes are expected to materialize with the release of iOS 17.4, with a beta version scheduled for imminent unveiling. The tech giant’s compliance with the European Commission’s regulations will be scrutinized, raising questions about potential implications for competition and market dynamics.
