After nearly 16 years, Apple maintained its tight control over iPhone software, but that ended on March 6. At that point, Apple was compelled to permit third-party app stores on the iPhone due to the implementation of Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple has now clarified how it will handle iPhones that leave Europe, and it’s not messing around. Spend more than 30 days abroad, and you can kiss third-party apps goodbye.
Under the DMA, Apple has been designated by the European Union as one of several “gatekeepers.” That subjects the company to specific obligations to ensure fair competition in digital markets.
Microsoft, Google, Meta, ByteDance, and Amazon are also targeted by the law. Even though some businesses, like Mobivention and MacPaw, are already setting up shops for the EU market, Apple will grudgingly permit third-party app stores in the EU.
Distribution outside the App Store gives developers and publishers more options, which could lead to higher revenue without paying the full App Store cut. However, that option might not be available to Epic Games, which has had its developer account (and access to necessary tools) blocked.
Apple now says Epiic has shown itself to be “verifiably untrustworthy,” but EU regulators might step in following claims that the ban violates the DMA.
If you don’t live in the EU, Apple will ensure you don’t get any of those apps. The company has updated a vaguely worded support page with a bit more detail.
Apps that were sideloaded and used “for short-term travel” would only lose some functionality, according to the previous version of the page. These days, the page makes it obvious that your access to stores other than Apple will expire in 30 days.
There will not be many irate customers because a 30-day grace period is sufficient to prevent most trips and vacations from causing a lockdown. If a user remains in the EU, they can keep using their apps happily.
You simply will not be able to download new apps or receive updates for the ones you already have installed. That being said, even leaving Europe for longer than 30 days will not prevent sideloaded apps from working.
Apple says it is making a location determination without tracking your location. As of iOS 17.4, Apple’s mobile devices use “on-device processing” to determine whether you are in an EU country, and then they report to the mothership.
That allows Apple to allow or block alternative app marketplaces. Workarounds to fake your phone’s location will probably exist, but Apple will not appreciate that. This could lead to yet another cat-and-mouse game that is eerily similar to Apple’s attempts to discourage jailbreaking.
Read the statement below
