Several government agencies in the European Union and elsewhere have raised alarms regarding security concerns as Apple opens its iPhones and iPads to alternative app stores, in compliance with EU tech regulations, Apple revealed on Friday.
According to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), starting March 7, Apple will be obligated to facilitate alternative app stores on iPhones and permit developers to opt out of utilizing its in-app payment system, which levies fees of up to 30%.
The technology behemoth, which delineated the adjustments on January 24 to align its App Store with EU directives, highlighted that “sideloading” – the installation of applications on a mobile device without using its dedicated app store – has elicited apprehension from both EU and non-EU government agencies and users.
Advocates of these reforms envision them as measures to foster competition in the app market.
Apple disclosed in a guidance paper, “These agencies – particularly those serving critical functions such as defense, banking, and emergency services – have reached out to us regarding these new changes.”
It added that the agencies sought assurances concerning their ability to prevent government employees from sideloading apps onto government-acquired iPhones, with several indicating their intent to block sideloading on all managed devices.
“One EU government agency informed us that it lacked the resources and personnel to scrutinize and approve apps for its devices, and thus intended to continue relying on Apple and the App Store due to its trust in our comprehensive app vetting process,” Apple stated.
However, the company refrained from disclosing specific figures regarding the number of concerned agencies and their respective countries.
For years, entities like Fortnite creator Epic Games and Spotify Technology have contended that Apple’s commissions and restrictions hinder their operations.