Apple is facing the pressure to open up its platform in Europe from regulators, which has already resulted in the iPhones supporting USB C port for charging. The company is also expected to allow sideloads of apps on iPhones for people in the region, which is also part of the recently passed laws. But Apple could have similar actions in more countries in the coming years, which could become a problem for the company in the long run.
According to new reports, Japan is planning for a similar ruling that could force the iPhone maker to support third-party app stores which could introduce sideloading on iOS devices.
The report from Nikkei Asia says Japan wants to have a EU-like law passed that could put more tech companies under its regulations. In addition to letting third-party apps store work on iOS, the new laws, if passed, could also force Apple to allow third-party billing systems for iPhone users. Apple and Google are facing antitrust pressure owing to their duopolistic dominance in the mobile industry.
Both iOS and Android cater to over 90 percent of the global smartphone market, which allows them to dictate the terms to developers, even charging them a commission of up to 30 percent. In fact, Apple and Google have similar cases going in the US, Europe and countries like India also eager to clamp down on their decision making.
Coming back to Japan, iOS sideloading is already becoming a huge pain point for Apple, as it fears the moment apps from other app stores are allowed on iOS, it could severely impact the privacy and security of its users, even giving malicious apps the chance to bypass Apple’s stringent App Store security.
Apple is going to bring major changes to iOS in Europe next year, and Japan along with other countries are likely to follow suit, which could mean good news for consumers and bad news in some ways.
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