Apple’s monopoly on the installation of applications on its devices could have an expiration date before the end of the year, if the new European Union law is approved that would force the firm to open alternatives to the App Store.
The new provision, known as “Open Application Markets Act”could end forced visits to the exclusive store by Californians when an application not available in their “windows” is required, or allow the transfer of files from a remote location such as the Internet to devices or computers.
In its articles, the new Digital Markets Law of the European Union would also allow developers use the App Store by bypassing their signature billing systems.
Although the European Parliament has not yet signed the DMA or Direct Memory Access into law, most likely to come into effect this yearwith the exception that Each member of the Union shall have the power to interpret the provisionaccording to your national legislation.
European Commission spokesman Johannes Bahrke considered the spirit of the new law and in this sense pointed out:
“We believe that a smartphone owner should have the freedom to choose how to use it. This freedom includes being able to opt for alternative sources of applications on their smartphone. With the DMA, a smartphone owner could still enjoy the secure services from the default app store on your [teléfonos inteligentes]. On top of that, if a user so wishes, the DMA would allow a smartphone owner to opt out of other secure app stores as well.”
Apple had already shielded itself from the law, when it stated that the DMA would increase the security risks in iOS, due to the large amount of personal information that people keep on their iPhones, but it should be noted that Mac users can now download third-party appswhile Apple tries to prevent it in iOS.
Apple told technology website The Verge that it is concerned that “some provisions of the DMA create unnecessary privacy and security vulnerabilities for our users, while others prohibit us from charging for intellectual property in which we invest heavily.”
In the statement of reasonsthe project presented by senators Richard Blumenthal, Marsha Blackburn and Amy Klobuchar, approved in November 2021, was based on benefit of digital services in the framework of a digital economy in Europe, where more than 10,000 online platforms operate, mostly small and medium-sized industries; while a small number of large online platforms keep most of the global value generated.
The vice president of public policies of the developer, an intense enemy of Apple, Epic GamesCorieWright reacted and applauded the bill highlighting that “The introduction of this bill is an important milestone in the ongoing fight for fairer digital platforms. Its passage would allow developers to seek injunctions for violations of the Act, which will help level the playing field for small businesses facing monopolists who abuse their market power.”
At the time, Apple’s official statement on the bill stated that “The App Store is the cornerstone of our work to connect developers and customers in a secure and trustworthy way. The result has been an unprecedented engine of economic growth and innovation.”
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