Apple Opens the Gates for Third-Party App Stores on iOS

Apple is getting ready to open iOS to competing app stores, a significant change expected to come alongside iOS 17 next year. This move is believed to be a response to the Digital Markets Act recently approved by the European Union. The aim of this act is to enhance competition and provide users with more choices. If Apple allows third-party apps to be downloaded without going through the App Store, it could potentially bypass the commission fees charged by the company. The legislation also includes provisions for messaging platform interoperability and equal access for external developers to core operating system features. Moreover, Apple might extend access to major APIs and features to outside developers, although some restrictions, like RCS integration within iMessage, could still be in place.