The iPhone ecosystem is like a walled garden,
But now, it's only a matter of time before the "back door" is opened......
As we all know, Apple's iOS operating system has always been known for its highly closed nature, and users can only download apps through Apple's official App Store when they want to download them.
And when listing apps on the App Store, developers also need to pay Apple a 30% commission.
But the EU does not allow antitrust practices, and Apple's actions limit market competition and consumer choice.
As a result, the European Union has adopted the Digital Markets Act (DMA) antitrust law, which requires iPhones and iPads to open third-party app stores.
Under the mandate of the European Union, Apple filed a 10-K file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
According to the documents, it will comply with the requirements of the European Union's Digital Markets Act by March 2024 and will be forced to support the operation of third-party app stores other than the App Store.
This means that Apple will open up third-party download rights in the App Store in the future, allowing sideloading.
The so-called sideloading allows users to install unreviewed apps through their own channels (such as web pages, installation packages, etc.).
This is also the software installation model that Windows and Android have been adopting.
With sideloading enabled, Apple users can download apps other than the App Store, while also providing a way for developers to bypass Apple's 30% commission.
As a result, many iOS developers have taken a fancy to this opportunity, and Microsoft is one of them.
It is reported that after the opening of sideloading, Microsoft may become the first third-party app store to enter Apple's system.
According to Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, Microsoft plans to launch a mobile app store focused on game downloads and has already begun reaching out to external partners.
The launch of Microsoft's mobile game store will compete with Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store.
The person declined to disclose the exact date of the launch of the app store.
However, some overseas market sources pointed out that the construction process of the Xbox mobile game app store has been started, and it will be launched as soon as next year.
If Apple opens up third-party app stores, Microsoft's Store will soon be logged in, and Apple's App Store will be challenged.
It depends on Apple's next moves.
What do you think about this?