Key Points:
- Third-party app stores coming to iPads in the EU with iPadOS 18 on September 16.
- EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) prompts Apple to allow alternative app stores and browsers.
- Developers gain flexibility to release apps using their technology, beyond Apple’s ecosystem.
Starting on September 16, Apple will allow iPad users in the European Union (EU) to download apps from third-party app stores. This move aligns with the release of iPadOS 18 and is part of Apple’s efforts to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which pushes for more competition and choice in app ecosystems.
Earlier this year, Apple made similar changes for iPhone users, and now iPads are following suit. Under the new rules, iPad users can install apps from third-party stores, marking a shift from the current setup where apps can only be downloaded from Apple’s official App Store. This update also lets developers release alternative browsers on iPads, using their own browser engines instead of Apple’s WebKit.
The European Commission categorized iPadOS as a “core platform service” under the DMA, a status that applies to services with significant influence over the market. Although iPadOS user numbers fell short of DMA thresholds, the Commission took into account the impact on business users. Apple had six months to comply and is now rolling out these changes to iPadOS.
Developers, such as Epic Games, have already expressed interest in bringing their games, like Fortnite, to iPads via third-party stores. Additionally, users will gain more control over their devices by being able to delete pre-installed Apple apps and set non-Apple apps as default, such as browsers or email clients.
This update is seen as a significant step in opening up Apple’s closed ecosystem, offering both users and developers more flexibility.
