Apple Set To Split App Store Into 2 Sections In The EU. Here's Why

The iPhone maker is set to implement these adjustments in the next few weeks, which involve segregating the ‌App Store‌ in the EU from its global counterpart to meet the new legal requirements.

The upcoming European Union (EU) regulations would mandate app sideloading and hence, Apple is set to "split the App Store" into two sections in the coming weeks, says a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his recent "Power On" newsletter, Gurman detailed the Cupertino-based tech giant's preparations to modify the ‌App Store‌ in the EU to align with the region's new Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The iPhone maker is set to implement these adjustments in the next few weeks, which involve segregating the ‌App Store‌ in the EU from its global counterpart to meet the new legal requirements. This means Apple will have two versions of the App Store: one for the EU and the other for the global markets. The deadline for Apple to adhere to the DMA is March 7, giving the company just over seven weeks to implement the necessary changes.

During a recent meeting at Apple Park, CEO Tim Cook engaged with Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's antitrust chief. Vestager underscored Apple's forthcoming responsibility to enable users to install third-party app stores and sideload apps in accordance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Additionally, Apple will be mandated to grant developers the capability to promote their offerings beyond the ‌‌‌‌App Store‌‌‌‌ and utilise third-party payment systems. The DMA is anticipated to compel Apple to implement substantial alterations to the functionality of the ‌App Store‌, FaceTime and Siri in Europe.

In contrast, due to its open-source nature, Android users have the ability to sideload apps -- an aspect that Apple has historically avoided associating with iOS. However, shifting market dynamics and regulatory pressure are compelling the iPhone maker to conform and provide users with the choice to install apps from alternative app stores.

To recall, weeks after the EU voted and passed rules to introduce a common charger for small electronic devices like smartphones and tablets, Apple confirmed in October 2022 to comply with the USB-C charger legislation. It should be noted that last year's iPhone 15 models were introduced with Type-C chargers instead of Apple's proprietary lightning chargers.