Gurman: in the first half of next year, Apple iPhone in the EU market will support the installation of applications through third-party channels.

CTOnews.com, Nov. 13-in order to comply with EU regulations, Apple will allow EU users to download apps that are not Apple's official App Store in the first half of next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This approach, also known as sideloading, means that users can download apps without using Apple's App Store, so developers don't have to pay 15 to 30 percent of Apple's fees.

Gurman wrote in his latest electronic newspaper, Power On, that Apple will introduce a "highly controlled system" through software updates that will allow EU users to install apps hosted elsewhere. It is reported that as part of these changes, Apple will also modify its messaging and payment apps.

CTOnews.com noted that the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect on November 1, 2022, requires gatekeepers to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers. DMA will have a significant impact on Apple's platform, and may cause Apple to make major changes to App Store, messaging, FaceTime, Siri and so on.

Apple had previously claimed that the sidebar would "undermine the privacy and security on which iPhone users rely", leaving people vulnerable to malware, fraud, data tracking and other issues. But whatever Apple's position, the company must comply with the DMA or face a fine of up to 20 per cent of its global revenues if it violates EU law.

If other countries introduce similar legislation, alternative app stores may expand beyond the European Union. The United States, for example, is considering legislation to require Apple to allow side loading.