Apple's ecosystem is now gradually opening itself up to third-party app stores, as Japan becomes the latest jurisdiction to win the alternative app store concession for its citizens.
Apple's iOS 26.2 beta 1 lets Japanese iPhone and iPad users install third-party app stores
After facing a concerted legal push in various jurisdictions, Apple has started to loosen its chokehold over its app ecosystem. As a case in point, Apple was recently compelled by a US court in the Epic case to allow access to external payment methods and to enable the return of Epic's Fortnite app.
Meanwhile, in the EU, Apple allows users to install third-party app stores on their devices, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act. This situation has created a legal precedent, where consumers in other markets are also asking for similar privileges. For instance, in Australia, Epic recently asked the court to allow its apps to be sideloaded onto Apple devices without any associated commission.
Apple's App Store is also now caught in China's regulatory crosshairs following an antitrust complaint, which alleges that Apple maintains a monopoly over app distributions and payment methods in China while allowing off-App Store payments as well as third-party app stores in other markets.
Japan to implement its Smartphone Act rules, compelling Apple to allow third-party app stores
Meanwhile, Japan has now compelled Apple to allow access to alternative app stores by publicly stating its intention to start implementing the rules covered in its Smartphone Act from December onwards.
And, Apple is paying attention. As a case in point, consider the fact that the iOS 26.2 beta 1 now allows iPhone users in Japan to install third-party app stores and choose their preferred search engine for Safari. These features should become widely available for Japanese users once Apple officially rolls out iOS 26.2 software update in early December.
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