Apple's tight control on its App Store is about to be breached as regulations work to allow sideloading on iOS. It was previously reported that the European Union has passed a law allowing iPhone users to install apps on iOS from outside the App Store. Following the approach, Japan is also preparing to jump on the antitrust legislation, which will force Apple to follow the same rules in the region, according to a new report.
Japan is preparing antitrust legislation to force Apple and Google to offer app sideloading on iOS and Android
The news is shared by Nikkei Asia, suggesting that Apple and Google will be forced to open iOS and Android, respectively, for apps that can be installed outside of their respective app stores in Japan. While this will threaten Apple's app guidelines, users can also choose alternative payment methods for in-app purchases. Apple has been under much pressure from the European Union, and the changes are slated to take effect until March 2024.
Apple has not shared a word regarding the implementation of the new changes. The company would have to devise specific regulations for developers to force them to keep their apps bound to app store guidelines. However, concrete details regarding Apple's next move are scarce at this stage. The latest report states that the Japanese regulators are preparing antitrust legislation that will consider Apple and Google to open their app stores for sideloading apps on iOS and Android, ending their monopoly in the field.
While sideloading apps is one aspect of the story, Apple and Google must also offer an alternative payment method for apps. Since Apple and Google charge a portion of the app's price, it could threaten the company's software revenue. Next year, the legislation will be forwarded to parliament, emphasizing app sideloading, payment methods, search, browsers, and operating systems. It remains to be seen if the antitrust legislation will be approved.
The local government could allow Japanese companies to integrate their app stores on iOS and Android. Additionally, through third-party payment methods, users can expect lower app prices. It was previously reported that Apple is working to make app sideloading available in regions where it is forced to. In other parts of the region, the company potentially has no plans to offer app sideloading and external payment methods.
Apple will comply with the European Union's laws and offer changes in the future. However, it remains to be seen if the company will reevaluate its app store guidelines for app sideloading. The company could also impose a new fee for in-app purchases made through external methods. We will keep you posted on the latest, so stick around.
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