Apple Would Permit Third-Party App Stores to Access iOS

• The significant change in Apple’s App Store policies would apply only within the EU.
• Apple implemented strict guidelines for NFT apps on October 24, 2022.

It’s been a long since tech giant Apple prevented installing alternative apps until they existed via their official App Store. However, upcoming new regulations by the European Union have prompted Apple to modify its services to let “third-party app stores” access iOS.

The tech big shot’s software and services teams are restructuring the platform to open up vital parts for users. Throughout the upgrades, customers may eventually download third-party applications directly to their iPhones and iPads, avoiding Apple’s restrictions and the up to 30% fee it charges on purchases. The significant change in Apple’s App Store policies would apply only within the EU arena, which indicates the tech company’s effort to comply with the most recent EU regulations.

Apple Regulations on Safeguards 

Apple’s policy changes may boost cryptocurrency and NFT app developers in Europe. On October 24, 2022, the multinational company announced “strict guidelines for Non-fungible token (NFT) apps”, which effectively force users to make in-app purchases due to a 30% commission. Also, it has not allowed users to enable cryptocurrency payments.

Further, following Apple’s enforcement of its rule, the self-custody wallet app update from Coinbase was blocked on December 1, 2022, as Apple planned to capture 30% of the gas fee through in-app sales. But crypto exchange Coinbase believes that it is not possible. 

However, Apple is exploring the possibility of requiring specific security measures even if the software is released outside of its store to avoid unsafe app damage, as per a Bloomberg report. Moreover, Apple hasn’t made up its final decision about whether it would adhere to a feature of the Digital Markets Act that permits developers to include outside payment systems in their apps.