Apple has recently released iOS 17.4, bringing a significant change for iPhone users in the European Union (EU). With this update, EU users now have access to third-party app stores, marking a departure from Apple’s previous policy of only allowing downloads from its own App Store. However, there are some limitations to this newfound freedom.
According to Apple’s support document, EU users who travel outside of the bloc will only have a “grace period” before certain features stop working altogether. If users leave the EU for a short-term trip, they can still access alternative app marketplaces during this grace period. However, if they stay away for too long, they will lose the ability to install new alternative app marketplaces. Apps already installed from these marketplaces will continue to function, but they won’t receive updates from the original marketplace.
The duration of this grace period is yet to be clarified by Apple. We have reached out to the company for more information and are awaiting their response. It is important for EU users to be aware of these limitations when traveling outside of the bloc to avoid any inconvenience.
This move by Apple is in response to the regulatory framework of the Digital Markets Act, which will be enforced across all 27 EU countries starting from March 7. By allowing access to alternative app stores, Apple aims to comply with these regulations and provide users with more choices when it comes to downloading apps.
In iOS 17.4, EU users also have the option to set their preferred alternative app store as the default on their devices through the Settings menu. This feature is particularly useful for those concerned about privacy, safety, and security risks associated with alternative app marketplaces. Additionally, parents can use the Screen Time setting to control whether their children’s devices can install apps from these alternative stores.
To gain access to alternative app marketplaces, users must ensure that their Apple ID country or region is set to one of the EU countries or regions. Furthermore, they must physically be located within the EU. Apple determines device eligibility for accessing these marketplaces using on-device processing, with only an eligibility indicator being sent to Apple. This approach prioritizes user privacy, as Apple does not collect a device’s location data.
Excitingly, the first alternative app marketplace is set to launch in the EU this week. German IT service provider Mobivention will introduce its corporate-focused Mobivention App Marketplace on Thursday. This will be followed by MacPaw, which plans to offer an alternative app marketplace in April. Epic Games, known for its popular game Fortnite, also has intentions to launch its own marketplace in the near future.
It is important to note that these changes only apply within the EU and do not extend to countries outside of the bloc. Additionally, these modifications are specific to iPhone users and do not affect iPadOS in any country.
In conclusion, Apple’s release of iOS 17.4 brings significant changes for iPhone users in the EU. The ability to access third-party app stores provides users with more options and aligns with the regulatory requirements of the Digital Markets Act. While there are limitations when traveling outside of the EU, this update offers greater flexibility and customization for EU users. With alternative app marketplaces set to launch soon, the app ecosystem in the EU is poised for further expansion and innovation.