There is the pending implementation of the new European law – the Digital Markets Act (DMA) – by the companies affected by it. Seven companies have confirmed this situation, including Apple. This law aims to change a fundamental aspect of the operating system of our iPhones or iPads, but it may not succeed. Because… what if Apple doesn’t allow third-party stores on iOS?
Two key points to ensure that we can continue to have secure systems
Let’s put it into context. After years of work, the European Union approved a law to force Apple to allow the installation of apps from outside the App Store on iPhones and iPads. According to the published text, the Cupertino company will have until March 5th of next year to allow third-party app stores, but the reality is that it could be much, much later before this happens.
Let’s put it in context. What makes the iPhone what it is today is largely due to the fact that app distribution is exclusively through the App Store. This allows Apple to enforce rules regarding security, design, and best practices, ensuring that low-quality or deceptive apps don’t make their way onto our devices. Some argue that Apple wants to maintain the App Store as the exclusive software distribution channel to collect a 15% (in some cases 30%) commission on certain purchases—not including advertising, reading/streaming apps, or other monetization methods. However, there’s a much more significant reason for the company: the security of millions of iPhones and iPads worldwide.
Neither Apple nor the users are interested in being forced to access applications outside the secure App Store environment simply because those apps don’t want to be on it. The reality is that this may never materialize, and there are two key elements to support this claim.
Firstly, there are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). These are applications that are installed through a web browser. Examples include Twitter or entire game catalogs like the now-defunct Google Stadia. PWAs have gained significant attention with the arrival of iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma. On the Mac, they are available for the first time (Instagram now has a Mac app), and on the iPhone, they gain the ability to send notifications with sounds and alerts, putting them on par with other native apps in terms of this important functionality.
The second key element to support this claim is the law itself. The text clearly states that the company must ensure the security of its software and hardware—and thus, our data—and can implement appropriate and proportionate measures to prevent non-App Store software from compromising the security level of the systems.
Between these two points, the ingredients for a lengthy legal debate are present. When March 5th arrives, Apple may, and this is speculative, take no action. PWAs could be considered sufficient for users to install any desired apps from outside the App Store. If these PWAs offer the necessary catalog, they could be considered third-party app stores.
If the European Union doesn’t agree with Apple’s hypothetical stance, the argument of maintaining system security becomes a significant factor. And if none of this works, it’s important to remember that the wheels of justice turn slowly. Years may pass after March 5th without any compromise to the security of our iPhones or iPads.
Speaking of security, this is an argument that Craig Federighi actually presented during the trial against Epic Games. He stated that on the Mac, where apps can be installed without any control, the presence of malware is entirely unacceptable when compared to the level of security on iOS. It’s a reality that cannot be ignored and could undermine the proposal put forth by the European Union, making it another attempt to interfere in business decisions. As the judge in the Epic Games case previously mentioned, these decisions do not belong to the courts or lawmakers, but rather to the companies themselves. So, in the end, what if Apple doesn’t allow third-party stores on iOS?
Some of the links added in the article are part of affiliate campaigns and may represent benefits for Softonic.
