Apple is getting ready to introduce a whole new fleet of devices. From its highly rumored virtual reality glasses, to the next iPhone 15 totally different from what we knew. Now, iOS 17 could also be added to this list of drastic renovations. A report by Mark Gurman seem to indicate one thing: this would be the first version of Cupertino’s mobile operating system in allow installation of apps through alternative methods. That is to say, They will be able to install apps without having to go through the App Store first..
Currently, to install any app, it must be done from the official App Store, without any alternative. In addition, developers pay Apple commissions of between 15% and 30% for the profits from their applications.
If true, iOS 17 should be presented with this new feature next June, during the WWDC 2023 celebration. However, the App Store will not be the only one affected. Services like iMessage or FaceTime will also have to adapt to the new rules. How, exactly? According to the laws presented by the European Union, all instant messaging apps must be interoperable with each other, regardless of whether they are rivals between them. So, if all goes well, you could talk from WhatsApp, Telegram either facebook messenger with someone who uses iMessage, and vice versa.
The Digital Markets Law establishes provisions applicable to platforms that act as “access gatekeepers” in the digital sector. These are platforms – which enjoy, or are expected to enjoy, a long-standing and entrenched position – that have a significant impact on the internal market and serve as an important gateway for professional users to access their end-users.
European Comission
The European Commission has grown tired of games from Apple and other big companies
Behind this play is not Apple, but the European Union. Following the Digital Markets Law that came into force at the end of 2022, Tech companies have an obligation to open up their platforms and services. In this way, they can be used by third-party companies and developers, to “guarantee fair and open digital markets,” explains the European Commission.
And while it might seem like the European Union is out to get Apple, this isn’t necessarily the case. Despite all their successes, those from Cupertino have become a fairly closed company, both in the field of software and hardware. For this, is the one who fills out all the ballots in the EU criteria about what an “access gatekeeper” is.
Thus, the body has already established that, if Apple does not include a USB-C port in its next generation, its position on the European continent could be seriously threatened. The same is now happening with software regulations. If you want to continue playing in the old continent, you will have to comply with the new rules without so many detours.
However, and since Apple loves to do things their own way, the next iPhone 15 could come with a surprise for the EU. Yes, it would have a USB-C input, but it will only be able to use its full potential if users buy cables specifically designed for Apple products. A twist that, apparently, the European Commission did not see comingbut they certainly didn’t like it.