The European Union (EU) is continuing to pressure Apple to open up its iPhone ecosystem
to competitors. After forcing Apple to adopt USB-C on the iPhone 15, the EU is now demanding that Apple allow third-party app stores and sideloading on iOS.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a wide-ranging piece of antitrust legislation aimed at tech companies. Under the DMA, Apple must make changes to iOS, the App Store, and Safari that improve the interoperability of those platforms with other ecosystems. Apple has until March 5, 2024 to comply with the DMA.
In a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook this week, EU industry chief Thierry Breton reiterated that Apple must “open up its gates to competitors.” Breton said that following the iPhone 15’s switch to USB-C, Apple must now open up things like the App Store to its competitors.
Apple has argued that opening up the iPhone in these ways would compromise user security and privacy. However, Breton doesn’t buy this argument. “EU regulation fosters innovation, without compromising on security and privacy,” he said.
It’s not yet clear how Apple will comply with the DMA. However, the company is expected to do whatever it can to limit the availability of sideloading and third-party app stores. It’s also possible that Apple will be forced to open iMessage up to other messaging platforms, but that’s still being debated.
Implications for users
For users, the EU’s pressure on Apple could lead to a more open and competitive iPhone ecosystem. This could mean lower prices for apps and games, as well as more innovation from third-party developers. It’s also possible that opening up the iPhone ecosystem could lead to security risks, but considering how much more secure Android has gotten, in spite of its openness, one fails to see how security could be a huge limitation to this demand.
Only time will tell how Apple chooses to comply with the DMA and how it will impact users. However, it’s clear that the EU is determined to break Apple’s grip on the iPhone market.
