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“The App Store, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Safari apps may be removed for EU users,” Apple said on a developer support webpage. “Only the Settings and Phone apps will not be removed.”
European iPhone and iPad users will also be able to manage default settings for browsers, messaging, phone calls and other features, Apple said.
Fear of a fine of up to 10% of its turnover
Since the Digital Markets Regulation (DMA) came into force a year ago, Apple and European authorities have been engaged in a standoff punctuated by procedures and threats.
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“The App Store rules violate the DMA, preventing app developers from directing consumers to alternative distribution channels for offers and content,” Brussels said in a “preliminary opinion” in June, after an investigation.
If these preliminary findings are confirmed, and if the American firm does not modify the App Store in a way deemed satisfactory by the EU, it could be fined up to 10% of its global turnover – or more than 30 billion euros based on last year’s sales – and even up to 20% in the event of repeated infringement.
Apple’s ecosystem attacked from all sides
Apple has long defended its closed ecosystem in the name of security, saying that opening it up would expose it to the risk of infiltration by booby-trapped programs, compromising user privacy.
“To help keep users safe online, Apple will only allow developers to offer alternative browsers after they have met specific criteria and committed to a number of privacy and security requirements,” the company said in its message to developers.
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Many companies, such as Epic Games (Fortnite) and Spotify, have been fighting for years against Apple’s ecosystem, which requires app publishers to go through the App Store, and therefore pay a commission to Apple.
The Californian group had promised last month to make the necessary changes to comply with the DMA. This new regulation was introduced to protect the emergence and growth of start-ups in Europe and offer more choice to consumers.
