Apple is planning sweeping changes to iOS and other products and services to meet EU requirements set out in the Digital Markets and Services Act. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Cupertino will redesign its platform to "open up key elements," meaning iPhone and iPad users can download apps through app stores and third-party websites.
It is assumed that the changes will take place only in the 27 countries that are members of the European Union, and will lay the foundations for the possible expansion of services to other regions.
Update plans are likely to arrive with iOS 17 in 2023, as companies have until 2024 to fully comply with the Digital Markets Act. The implementation also includes enabling wider access to the NFC chip, camera, Find My Network and AirTag, and brings new web browsing tools for iPhones and iPads.
Gurman clarified that Apple still plans to charge developers even if they don't distribute their apps through the App Store.
The Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act are bills to promote fair competition and better privacy protections, and to remove some invasive targeted advertising. Apple's actions mainly fall under the first act, which is intended to offer better interoperability with smaller competing services.
Suppose Cupertino decides not to comply with the law, which takes effect on January 1, 2024. In that case, regulators could impose a fine of 10% of total worldwide turnover and 20% for repeat violations.
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