If we are to believe the latest report from Bloomberg, Apple will drastically open up the iPhone in 2023. If even half of the changes reportedly being considered go through, it will have major implications for how we all use our iPhones (and presumably iPads) in the future.
At the heart of the changes is the new law on EU digital markets, which comes into force next year. It has strict regulations around app distribution, payment systems, and much more that Apple will have to abide by. The changes include allowing the installation of apps distributed outside of the App Store. That could be third-party app stores, or just downloading apps directly from the web, or both. Apple would consider strict security measures that require apps to be authenticated by Apple in order to run, even if distributed elsewhere.
Apps may also use third-party payment systems for in-app purchases. According to the Bloomberg report, Apple has not yet decided whether or not it will comply with that aspect of the law.
Other important changes are also being considered. Third-party web browsers currently must use Apple’s WebKit rendering engine on iPhone and iPad (a limitation that does not exist on the Mac). The company is considering whether it will lift that restriction in iOS 17 to allow Chromium and other browser engines.
Certain other features may also need to be opened up to third-party apps and services, such as fuller access to the camera and NFC for mobile payments. The Find My network can be opened up to external trackers like Tile. The law also requires tech companies to give users more control over standard applications for certain functions and more interoperability between messaging platforms, all of which could dramatically change iOS.
The changes are expected to come as an update to iOS 17 and are only expected to take effect in regions subject to EU law. In the US, apps are likely to remain available only in the App Store. US officials have pushed for similar legislation to the EU, but nothing has yet been passed.
While Apple is no doubt unhappy about having to give up so much scrutiny to comply with the law, it is moving quickly to do so, reportedly “committing a significant amount of resources to the company-wide endeavor”. Non-compliance can be very costly for Apple, as repeated violations of the law can lead to fines of up to 20 percent of the annual worldwide turnover. In Apple’s case, that would cost them more than $70 billion, though it’s unlikely the company will pay the maximum fine, even if they’re determined not to comply in full.
