Apple iPad to Support Alternative App Stores in EU Starting September 16

Apple is set to allow alternative app stores on iPads in the European Union (EU) starting September 16, 2024, as part of its compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This follows similar changes made for iPhones earlier this year, allowing users within the EU to install apps from third-party app stores instead of being limited to Apple's App Store.

The change will only apply to devices running iPadOS 18, which will also launch on the same day. It means that iPad users will now have more freedom to download apps via alternative marketplaces and use web browsers other than Safari's WebKit engine. However, earlier versions of iPadOS won’t support this feature, so users will need to upgrade to iPadOS 18 to access third-party app stores.

This shift could potentially open up a more competitive app ecosystem within the EU, though it remains to be seen how many users will adopt third-party app stores or how many new app markets will emerge in response to these regulatory changes.

Apple’s move is a significant step towards adapting to the EU’s antitrust measures aimed at reducing the dominance of large tech companies, ensuring more competition and consumer choice in the digital marketplace.