Apple continues to make big changes to its business and most of it is being forced on the company by new rules set up by the European Union. We have already seen the iPhones finally adopting a USB-C port for charging that did make its way to all countries. But the new EU rules bring a host of changes via the Digital Markets Act (DMA) bring further pressure on the company to tweak its strategy for consumers and developers.
Multiple reports suggested the scale of new policies that Apple will bring for EU markets from March this year and now the company has confirmed these new rules that supposedly handles the anti-competitive nature of Apple in these markets.
Apple New Rules In Europe: Here’s What iPhone Users Can Expect From March 2024
1. Sideloading on iPhones
The EU rules have ordered Apple to open iOS to third-party app stores and the company is doing just that. What this means is that iPhone users in these countries can sideload apps from other app stores and not just limited to the App Store. The new App Store regulations will be coming via the iOS 17.4 version in March but that is strictly limited to iPhone users in Europe. The flexibility from Apple will even allow you to make these third-party app stores as the default option for their device.
2. Make Payments Outside of Apple
For developers, Apple is finally giving them the option to use its own payment service for in-app purchases and subscription or link it to third-party systems. For instance, Netflix will now have the option to let people pay through its own service rather than bypassing Apple’s app store conditions.
3. Tap to Pay Without Apple Pay
Apple is opening NFC on iPhones to third-party developers that allows them to access the feature and support tap to pay for platforms other than Apple Pay. Yes, the new development is only available for users in Europe but it is big news for people who’ve wanted to use other apps for payments on their iPhones.
4. Switch Your Default Browser
Yes, iOS will finally have the option to switch your default browser from Safari to Chrome or even Firefox if you fancy using it. Safari is pitched as a more secure browser than others but people like having choices and Apple is going to give it to iPhone users in Europe.
5. Fortnite Back on iOS
Epic Games has been waging a long-standing battle with Apple but at least in Europe, iPhone users can finally enjoy Fortnite. The developer has confirmed the update and people can expect the game to release on iOS in the coming months.
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