Apple plots fees, restrictions in Europe on downloads outside App Store: report
NY Post
Apple is reportedly preparing to impose new fees and restrictions on software downloads outside of its App Store — in what could be a “major test” of Europe’s attempts to enforce a sweeping law aimed at boosting tech competition.
It’s part of the Cupertino, Calif. tech giant’s effort to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act ahead of a March 7 deadline — while also maintaining its hold on revenue generated by software downloads on its device.
Apple will allow iPhone users to download apps from other app stores for the first time ever as part of the plan – a practice known as “sideloading.”
Nevertheless, Apple will still maintain the power to review all apps downloaded from other app stores onto its devices, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the company’s thinking.
Apple also will charge fees from developers who offer downloads separate from the App Store. The size of those potential fees was not immediately known.
The plan would only apply to Europe, not the US market.
