Apple Inc. announced on Thursday that it would introduce changes to its operating system iOS, the Safari web browser, and its App Store in the European Union member states starting March. These updates are in compliance with the forthcoming European Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is set to come into effect the same month.
Following the release of iOS version 17.4 for iPhone and iPad devices, developers will be able to provide alternative app stores that Apple will verify, according to the Agence France-Presse.
Additionally, Apple's payment solutions will no longer be the sole payment options available to consumers.
Upon first-time use of the Safari browser, users will be presented with the option to select from a list that includes competitive browsing engines.
These changes coincide with the introduction of new pricing for developers.
Phil Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, stated, "The changes we are announcing today align with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, while also contributing to the protection of European users against increasing risks to their privacy and security."
Starting from March 7, Apple, along with five other major digital conglomerates Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Meta (
Facebook), Microsoft, and the Chinese owner of TikTok, ByteDance will fall under the new DMA, which enforces stricter rules to curb anti-competitive practices within the European Union.