Apple is set to launch iPadOS 18 globally on Monday, bringing a significant new feature for users in Europe.
With iPadOS 18, Europeans will now have the ability to download and use apps from third-party app stores, thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This Act aims to promote competition and reduce the control of large tech companies over their platforms. While Apple initially opposed this, they are now complying with the regulations. This functionality has long been available on Android tablets and is now expanding to the iPad.
As part of this update, developers participating in the “Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU” can distribute their apps through third-party stores and benefit from a reduced commission rate on sales made through these alternative channels.
Additionally, Europeans with iPadOS 18 can now change Safari as the default browser engine within apps. iPhone users in the EU will also soon gain the right to use alternative app stores, but this feature is expected to be included in a later iOS release.
While these changes aim to introduce competition, they will also delay the launch of Apple Intelligence in the EU due to privacy concerns related to the Digital Markets Act.
Apple is also releasing iOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2 on Monday. These updates will not include Apple Intelligence, which is delayed until later this year. The iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 are available for pre-order, coming with iOS 16 and watchOS 11 respectively.
