Apple is preparing for a massive redesign of the iOS architecture to support alternative app stores and install software from third-party sources bypassing the App Store. The changes are intended to comply with the strict requirements of the European Union under the new digital marketplace law, which will come into force in 2024, and will oblige to provide developers with a level playing field, as well as to make platforms and services completely free for users. This is reported by Bloomberg, citing its own sources.
Apple developers are currently working to unlock “key elements” of the tech giant’s ecosystem while expending “a significant amount of resources.” The corresponding features will be implemented in iOS 17, which means they will be launched in the fall of 2023, that is, ahead of schedule. Due to the rush and radicalness of the updates, there is a danger that the launch of other major features planned for iOS 17 will be delayed, according to Bloomberg. The adopted EU rules as a whole will have a serious impact on the positioning and monopolistic position of Apple services, so the project is likely to affect technologies such as iMessage, FaceTime, Siri and Apple Pay.
Apple can provide basic access to branded applications and expand the set of APIs for developers. The latter will get deeper integration with system functions and technologies. For example, the NFC module in the iPhone is still limited to contactless payments via Apple Pay, and manufacturers of geolocation accessories such as Tile cannot offer full interaction with the Latitude network.
In the future, alternative app stores on iOS may appear not only in the firmware for the European Union market, if other countries agree on similar amendments to their legislation. The US is already considering requiring Apple to allow app downloads without the App Store. Apple itself has repeatedly stated that the Android model “will undermine the strong privacy and security protections of iPhone users”, resulting in the spread of all sorts of malware, fraudulent schemes, unwanted tracking of personal data and other problems.
If the law is ignored, Apple faces catastrophic fines of up to 20% of its global revenue (thus potential sums of up to $80 billion) and other severe sanctions. In addition to lifting restrictions on software distribution, the European Commission’s decision is pushing Apple to ditch its proprietary Lightning charging connector in favor of universal USB-C. It is expected to debut in the upcoming iPhone 15 line.
Source: Trash Box
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
