The famous tech company from Cupertino, Apple, was called many names because of its operations, with different executives calling them anti-competition or a monopoly, but now it confirmed that it is a "gatekeeper." This is because of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which features antitrust laws that require providing third-party apps, sideloading, and other accessible features for developers and users.
Cupertino already received a deadline for next year for its adherence to the DMA, but there seems to have no plans yet, as well as speculations regarding the move towards this.
Apple Faces EU's DMA for Third-Party App Access, Sideloading
Reuters reported that Apple recently announced and confirmed that it is subject to the EU's DMA, branding itself a "gatekeeper" alongside Alphabet and Google, Meta, and Microsoft. This means that they are subject to what the EU imposes on its technology rules and regulations, centering on the antitrust legislation.
With this, the company was given a deadline until March 5, 2024, to adhere to the DMA's requirements, and this includes allowing third-party app stores and sideloading to be available on their devices.
It is known that Apple previously challenged this and claimed that the App Store's processes center on verifying the legitimacy of apps, and this in turn acts as a security barrier to protect its platforms and users.
Moreover, 9to5 Mac expects that Apple would only adhere to third-party payment channels and challenge the EU's DMA via a clause by citing its security reasons for not allowing third-party app stores to install apps on its devices.
It is not only the App Store, but also Apple's iMessage to cross-communicate with other apps like WhatsApp, Google Messages, and more, using one's preferred app.
Will Apple Continue to be a 'Gatekeeper'?
Gatekeepers qualify as big tech and are subject to the rules imposed by the EU laws, with Apple confirming that it is one. However, Apple's next moves remain unknown, especially with the many third-party access from unverified sources outside the App Store to bring its operations to the smartphone.
Reports are claiming that Apple may challenge this and prolong the deadline, something that would extend for long periods before the final ruling.
Apple App Store, Sideloading
Apple kept its hold and exclusivity on the App Store for a long time already, but this was challenged throughout the years as the company was criticized and frowned upon by developers for their restrictions. Previously, certain security reports explain why Apple is against sideloading apps or downloading them from third-party app stores.
Back then, Apple was only allowed to make in-app payments through the App Store, and it was since challenged by Epic Games, which led to the ousting of Fortnite.
However, even after Fortnite's removal, the App Store policy received significant backlash, but the company already let up on some apps, like in the Netherlands where it allowed third-party payments for dating apps.
Europe's DMA is massive legislation in the region and it aims to practice anti-competition and trump monopolization from tech companies on specific services. With Apple branded as a gatekeeper and handed a deadline, it remains unknown what changes it would do, as well as what it would hold on to and raise in court for them to keep.
