As we know, in Europe, the Digital Markets Act, will be taking effect in the coming months of 2023, but the companies can comply with all the rules until 2024. The US and other countries too are pushing for similar laws.

Apple iPhones and iPads has Apple Stores to download third party apps. To comply with the new European law, Apple will open up key elements of its platform. There were complaints that Apple and Google which run biggest mobile app stores wield too much power as gatekeepers. Customers will be allowed to download third party apps without using the App Stores. Thus customers will be avoiding Apple’s restrictions and the 30 per cent commission it imposes on payment. The users will be allowed to change the default settings. The new European law applies to technology firms with market valuations of $80 billion and a minimum of 4.5 million users per month within the EU.

Apple has been arguing that sideloading apps could put unsafe apps on the devices of the consumers, and could undermine privacy. Apple may mandate certain security requirements even if the software is distributed outside its store. Such Apps may be verified by Apple, of course, at a fee. Within the App Store, Apple takes 15-30 per cent cut of revenue.