Developers, publishers, and consumers in the European Union (EU) will soon see changes in the iPad ecosystem as the Digital Markets Act designates iPadOS as a gatekeeper platform. Apple has confirmed that the changes initially made for the iPhone will be extended to the iPad this fall to comply with EU regulations. These changes include allowing alternative app marketplaces, choosing a different browser, selecting a default search engine, and expanding contactless payment options beyond Apple Wallet and Apple Pay.
Apple has emphasized that developers can choose to adopt the Alternative Business Terms for Apps in the EU or stick with Apple’s existing terms. The new regulations aim to prevent monopoly abuses by opening up the platform to more competition and choices for users. While the changes will only affect users in the EU, other governments are closely monitoring the situation to potentially implement similar legal changes in their countries.
In the EU, developers using alternate app marketplaces will have to pay a Core Technology Fee for downloads exceeding the first million installs. However, Apple has clarified that if the same app is installed on both the iPhone and iPad, it will only count as one install towards the threshold. This adjustment aims to ease the financial burden for developers utilizing both platforms and encourage them to embrace the changes brought about by the Digital Markets Act.
The ability for users to choose their preferred default search engine, browser, and contactless payment methods on the iPad marks a significant shift in the digital landscape. These changes have already had an impact on the market in the EU, allowing for more diversity and competition among app providers and service providers. The decision to extend these changes to the iPad underscores Apple’s commitment to complying with regulatory requirements while also adapting to meet the evolving needs and preferences of users.
While some developers may choose to remain exclusive to the App Store, the inclusion of the iPad in these regulatory changes could have a transformative effect on the digital marketplace. The move towards greater openness and flexibility in app development and distribution could lead to a more dynamic and competitive environment for developers, ultimately benefiting consumers with a wider range of choices and services to enhance their user experience. As Apple prepares to implement these changes on the iPad this fall, stakeholders in the EU and beyond will be closely monitoring the impact and implications of this regulatory shift on the digital ecosystem.
