Electronics

According to Huacheng's import and export data observation report, in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which took effect on November 1, Apple seems to be considering major strategic adjustments to iOS and App Store for the first time.

If Apple refuses to comply with the DMA, the EU can impose a fine of 20% of its global revenue, which may be as high as 80 billion US dollars according to the current revenue of Apple.

Therefore, DMA may force Apple to make major adjustments to the App Store, iMessage, FaceTime, Siri and other products, and the adjustment must be completed before March 6, 2024, Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation Report.

Apple began to prepare to allow the existence of third-party app stores on iPhone and iPad to replace the existence of App Store; It is also planned to open more iOS functions to third-party applications, including browser engine and NFC.

It is worth noting that the EU Act has promoted Apple to adopt USB-C on all its devices, and this change will be realized in 2023.

Apple will further open API permissions

According to Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation, in recent years, Apple has been trying to open its private application program interface (API) to third-party developers and applications. For example, applications can now interact with Siri, read NFC tags, provide alternate keyboards, and so on. However, there are still many other restrictions that may not last long.

One of the main restrictions that may soon be repealed is related to browser engines. At present, all iOS applications must use WebKit (the engine running Safari). But in order to comply with the EU DMA, Apple has been trying to open iOS to other browser engines.

Other private iOS APIs may also be disclosed in the future to provide more in-depth support for core system functions and hardware. Including access to more camera controls and iPhone NFC chips, it is reported that Apple is trying to open NFC in a limited way to allow Apple Pay alternatives.

In addition to these changes, it is said that Apple is still discussing further opening the Find My network to third-party accessories. Although third-party manufacturers have been able to make their accessories compatible with Find My, competitors like Tile claim that there is still a small gap compared with Apple's own accessories, such as AirTag.

The App Store is about to undergo profound changes

Apple is preparing to let iPhone and iPad users install apps through the iOS alternative app store. This will allow developers to officially release iOS applications outside of the App Store for the first time.

This change will allow customers to download applications without using the App Store, which means that developers will not have to pay Apple 15% to 30% of the cost, thus reducing the cost of developers and users. But the problem is that Apple may only implement this strategy in Europe for the time being.

If other countries introduce similar legislation, alternative app stores may be extended beyond the EU. For example, the United States is considering legislation to require Apple to allow side loading (that is, to install software without using the official app store).

According to Huacheng Import and Export Data Watch, Apple claims that profile loading will undermine the privacy and security protection that iPhone users rely on, making people vulnerable to malware, fraud, data tracking and other issues. Therefore, it has always been firm before, although too many people in the industry believe that this is a matter of interest rather than really thinking about users.

To avoid the impact of side loading risks, Apple may be considering implementing security requirements - such as verification, which it can charge for, rather than receiving money from application sales. Apple has an authentication system on the Mac that allows users to access applications outside of the Mac App Store while being secure.

It is understood that it is uncertain when all these changes will be introduced to the public, but some of them may be introduced in iOS 17 next year as soon as possible, Huacheng Import and Export Data Observation reported.