iPadOS is not defined as a gatekeeper and the open system only benefits EU iPhone users

Mondo Technology Updated on 2024-02-01

iOS 17 released by Apple a few days ago4 The beta version has attracted a lot of attention because of a number of important changes to the EU's Digital Markets Act, in particular. One of the most notable changes is to allow users in the EU to install apps via sideloading, i.e. from outside the App Store.

Other important changes include allowing browsers to choose to use engines other than WebKit, as well as opening NFC technology to wallets and banking apps, and replacing Apple Wallet and Apple Pay. These changes were originally only available to iPhone users on iOS and in the EU, while iPadOS and iPad users did not benefit. This is because the EU treats iOS and iPadOS as different entities, with the former being defined as a "gatekeeper" and needing to be open to third parties to promote market competition, but iPadOS, which is considered by some users to be the same ecosystem, is not defined and required by the EU in the same way.

However, the European Union has determined that the App Store is a "gatekeeper" role, so the changes will take effect on all platforms such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. These shifts include a reduction in commission share from 17% to 10% and the ability for apps to offer payment options outside of the App Store for users to choose when purchasing or subscribing to services and content. In addition, the European Union has also asked Apple to modify the relevant mechanism to allow game streaming** platform programs to be listed.

Data & ***9to5mac

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