Apple Bows to EU: iOS, Safari, and App Store Get Major Overhaul

Apple has finally admitted that even giants can't ignore EU laws. The company announced major changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store that will affect users in the European Union. The main goal is compliance with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which takes effect in March 2024.

What's changing? The biggest news is the ability to install apps from third-party stores. Yes, now you can download software on your iPhone from sources other than the App Store. Additionally, developers can use alternative payment systems, potentially reducing Apple's commission. Apple is also opening up NFC for banking apps and allowing browsers on non-WebKit engines.

For developers, it's a double-edged sword: more freedom on one hand, new requirements on the other. For instance, apps from third-party stores still need to pass Apple's notarization check, and alternative payments come with a (smaller) commission. Moreover, these changes only apply to the EU — the rest of the world still lives by the old rules.

METABYTE Studio Comment: For startups targeting the European market, this is a golden opportunity to cut costs and expand reach. If you're building an app, now is the time to explore new monetization and distribution options — before your competitors do.