Apple Plans to Impose New Fees and Restrictions for Third-Party Software Downloads - CNBC Indonesia

Intan Rakhmayanti Dewi, CNBC Indonesia

Tech

Thursday, 01/25/2024 21:00 WIB

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Apple is making new plans to add fees and restrictions when it starts allowing third-party software outside the App Store to be downloaded on its devices.

This mechanism is often called ‘sideloading’ and so far it can be done on Android phones.

This news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. A few months earlier, the European Union enacted the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to target large technology companies.

The aim of this regulation is to eradicate monopolistic practices and make it easier for the public to choose the best service.

The WSJ report said Apple’s plan, which only applies to Europe, would allow users to download other software to the iPhone for the first time without using the App Store.

Meta will also reportedly make some adjustments to comply with DMA. The Menlo Park giant announced that it will make it easy for users to choose how to enjoy its services. However, the mechanism was not explained in more detail.

The DMA which applies in the European Union from March 7 2024 states that giant technology companies must treat their products and services like competitors’ products and services.

In a different report, Apple plans to appeal the European Union’s decision to place the App Store on the digital antitrust list.

In the UK, Apple was also sued for US$ 1 billion by around 1,500 developers who felt they had been harmed by the App Store rules.

Apple’s policy was also criticized by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. According to him, the policies and structure of fees on the App Store are problematic and full of conflicts of interest.

“We’ve always wanted to help developers distribute our apps, and the new options will provide more competition,” Meta said. “Developers deserve more ways to offer their apps to the people who want them.”

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