Apple’s App Store breaches EU’s Digital Markets Act
What does the European Commission think about Apple's link-out mechanism?
The European Commission believes there are too many restrictions with Apple's link-out mechanism. It thinks that third-party developers should be able to inform customers of alternative purchasing possibilities freely. Currently, developers who have released apps on the App Store can't advertise different prices or alternative distribution channels in their apps.
How might Apple's App Store rules breach the Digital Markets Act?
Apple's App Store rules may breach the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by preventing app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content. The European Commission believes third-party developers should be able to inform customers of alternative purchasing possibilities without restrictions or additional fees. Apple's current practices may limit these choices and hinder competition, which the DMA aims to address.
What are the steps required to install a third-party app store in the EU?
To install a third-party app store in the EU, follow these steps: 1) Click the browser-based link to load the alternative store. 2) Receive a pop-up informing you that your installation settings don't allow marketplaces from that developer. 3) Head into Settings, enable the marketplace, return to your browser, and click the download link again. 4) Receive another prompt asking you to confirm the install. 5) Open the store and browse the available apps. Note that this process may vary slightly depending on the specific app store.