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Apple has announced that it will permit users in the EU to install third-party apps by bypassing the App Store. This change is in line with Europe's “Digital Markets Act” (DMA), which prohibits monopolistic positions of large technology companies. This is reported by 3dnews.ru.
With the release of iOS 17.4, users in the EU will be able to download third-party app stores from the store's official website. To be used on iPhone, these services will have to go through Apple's approval process.
After installing a third-party application store, users will be able to download any application, including those that are not available in the App Store or violate its rules. It will also be possible to select a third-party marketplace as the default app store.
App developers will also have more freedom. They will be able to choose whether to use Apple's payment services for in-app purchases or integrate a third-party payment system at no additional cost to Apple.
All apps must be approved by Apple, and distribution through third-party marketplaces will continue to be controlled by Apple's systems.