Apple to Allow Alternative App Stores on iPad in the EU from September 16

Brussels, September 15, 2024 – Starting September 16, 2024, Apple will open up its iPad to alternative app stores in the European Union. This change will come with the launch of the latest update to iPadOS, Apple's operating system for iPads.

This move is part of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make the tech market fairer and more competitive. The DMA targets major tech companies, known as "gatekeepers," who control key digital services. Initially, Apple was listed as a gatekeeper for its iOS operating system, its App Store, and its Safari web browser. Earlier this year, the EU added iPadOS to this list, recognising its importance even though it didn't hit the usual user numbers for DMA inclusion.

With iPadOS 18, users in the EU will be able to download apps from alternative app stores, not just Apple's own App Store. This change is expected to give users more choices and could lead to lower costs and more innovative apps.

In addition to alternative app stores, the new rules will also allow web browser developers to release browsers that don’t rely on Apple's WebKit engine. This could bring more variety to the browsers available on iPads.

Apple has had six months to prepare iPadOS to meet these new rules. The company has promised to keep user security a top priority. Apps from third-party stores will still need to be checked by Apple for security, and developers will need to agree to new terms and pay a “Core Technology Fee.”

In the EU, alternative app stores like AltStore PAL and Epic Games' store are already available for iOS users, offering everything from game emulators to popular games like Fortnite.

As these changes roll out, many are watching to see how they will impact the app market and whether other regions might follow the EU's lead.