iPad will not support third-party App Store

Apple announced a series of major changes yesterday, mainly for the App Store and iPhone platform in the EU. One of the most notable changes is that Apple will support other app markets. This move will provide users with more choices and promote competition in the app market. Apple also explained the details of the changes in detail, providing more transparency to users and developers. These changes are expected to further enhance the user experience and drive the development of the entire app ecosystem.

iPhone and iPad Policy Differences

Some of these changes will apply to all of Apple’s platforms, while others are limited to the iPhone and not covered iPad. Apple explains that the reason for this difference is that the European Union considers iOS a key platform under the Digital Markets Act, which only applies to iOS on the iPhone. Looking at iPadOS, both Apple and the European Commission view it as a completely different platform. On the other hand, the Digital Market Act defines the entire App Store as a critical service, which in the view of the European Commission includes the App Store on all Apple platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV.

Apple makes changes based on DMA requirements

Apple has categorized these changes based on DMA requirements. The upcoming App Store changes will apply to all Apple platforms, while the iPhone-only changes will only affect iPhones. Although iOS and iPadOS share a lot of code base, these changes will only affect iPhones.

Specifically, this means:

• On iPhone only, users will have the option to install and download apps from third-party app markets.
• New Safari prompt asking users to select the default browser engine, only available on iPhone.
• Support for third-party browser engines is also limited to iPhone.
• The ability to set the default NFC and wallet apps will also be available only on iPhone.
• Changes to App Store policies that allow for alternative payment methods and lower commissions will affect the App Store across all Apple platforms.
• Changes to App Store guidelines that allow game streaming apps will affect all Apple platforms.

All of these changes are expected to be implemented in the upcoming iOS 17.4 version, which is currently in developer testing.

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