Apple has announced that starting next week on September 16, it will allow third-party app stores on the iPad with the next major release of iPadOS, the operating system designed for the iPad.
This change is in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote market fairness and competition. Apple was identified as a “gatekeeper” for operating systems, app distribution marketplaces, and web browsers, leading to the inclusion of iPadOS in the list of core platform services.
Although iPadOS user numbers did not initially meet the DMA threshold, the Commission emphasized the significant impact on business users and gave Apple six months to ensure DMA compliance. With the upcoming iPadOS 18 release, EU users can install alternative app stores and web browser developers can introduce browsers with their own engines.
Five third-party app stores are already available for iOS in the EU, with AltStore PAL being the first to launch. Apple notarizes apps for security, and developers must adhere to new business terms and pay a “Core Technology Fee” above a certain threshold to release apps on alternative stores.
Epic Games has also introduced its alternative iOS app store, enabling European users to download popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. Plans are in place to bring these games to the iPad as well.
While third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox are available for iOS, they still use Apple’s WebKit engine. Tech companies have yet to release an EU-specific browser app for European users under the DMA provisions.
