Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to enable the installation of apps from external sources outside of its own App Store on iPhones and iPads, according to sources familiar with the plans. The changes are being made in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires tech companies to fully comply with restrictions by 2024.
According to the report, the rollout of support for external apps from third-party sources and marketplaces will initially begin only in Europe to comply with the new law. However, the functionality could be expanded to other territories depending on whether those countries adopt similar regulations.
Apple hasn’t made a final decision on whether to comply with a component of the Digital Markets Act that allows developers to install third-party payment systems within their apps. That would let users sign up for subscriptions to a travel app, for example, or buy in-app content from a game maker — without involving Apple.
Seems the upcoming EU regulations could come to the rescue to address the app store monopoly issues. As the news stated, unfortunately, it will only beneficial to the countries that implement similar regulations, otherwise, nothing much different.
In regard the compliant of the third-party payment system hasn't been finalized, I think they will have to comply. Noting what they are doing to the China user, I doubt the EU regulator/regulation couldn't force them.