Europe’s iPhone Users Can Expect 5 Major Changes
Apple continues to make major changes in its business and most of them are forced on the company due to new rules imposed by the European Union. We’ve already seen iPhones finally adopt a USB-C port for charging, which made it to all countries. But the new EU rules will bring many changes through the Digital Markets Act (DMA), putting more pressure on the company to adapt its strategy for consumers and developers.
Several reports suggested the extent of new policies that Apple will introduce to the EU market starting in March this year, and now the company has confirmed these new rules, which are supposed to address Apple’s anti-competitive nature in this market.
Apple’s new rules in Europe: What iPhone users can expect from March 2024
1. Sideloading on iPhones
EU rules have required Apple to open up iOS to third-party app stores, and the company is doing just that. This means that iPhone users in these countries can download apps from the page from other app stores, not just the App Store. The new App Store regulations will come via iOS 17.4 in March, but it will be strictly limited to iPhone users in Europe. Thanks to Apple’s flexibility, you can even make these third-party app stores the default option for your device.
2. Make payments outside of Apple
Apple is finally giving developers the option to use its own payment service for in-app purchases and subscriptions, or link it to third-party systems. For example, Netflix now has the option to let people pay through their own service instead of circumventing the terms of Apple’s app store.
3. Tap to pay without Apple Pay
Apple is opening up iPhone NFC to third-party developers to use the feature and support tap-to-pay on platforms other than Apple Pay. Yes, the new development is only available to users in Europe, but it’s great news for people who have been wanting to use other apps to pay on their iPhone.
4. Change your default browser
Yes, iOS finally has the ability to change your default browser from Safari to Chrome or even Firefox if you want to use it. Safari is considered a more secure browser than others, but people like choice, and Apple plans to give it to iPhone users in Europe.
5. Fortnite Back for iOS
Epic Games has had a long battle with Apple, but at least in Europe, iPhone users can finally enjoy Fortnite. The developer has confirmed the update and people can expect the game to be released on iOS in the coming months.
