Current Events > Apple to Allow Outside App Stores in Overhaul Spurred by EU Laws

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-13/will-apple-allow-users-to-install-third-party-app-stores-sideload-in-europe?srnd=premium

The moves a reversal of long-held policies are a response to EU laws aimed at leveling the playing field for third-party developers and improving the digital lives of consumers. For years, regulators and software makers have complained that Apple and Google, which run the two biggest mobile app stores, wield too much power as gatekeepers.

If similar laws are passed in additional countries, Apple's project could lay the groundwork for other regions, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is private. But the company's changes are designed initially to just go into effect in Europe.

This seems like a big deal. What if it ends up spreading to consoles?

What needs happen next is for laws to compel Apple to either adopt RCS or allow iMessage to be installed on other platforms.