Apple will soon allow European iPad users to download apps from third-party marketplaces, starting with the release of iPadOS 18 on September 16th. This change comes in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has designated iPadOS as a “core platform service,” requiring Apple to open its ecosystem to alternative app stores.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to promote fair competition by regulating large “gatekeeper” companies like Apple. Under the DMA, Apple is now required to allow users to download apps from outside its official App Store, including from third-party marketplaces. Apple had six months to ensure compliance with DMA requirements following iPadOS’ designation as a core platform. This designation extends similar obligations that were previously applied to iPhones under the same regulations.
With the release of iPadOS 18, several third-party app stores that are already available on iPhones in Europe, such as Setapp Mobile, AltStore PAL, and the Epic Games Store, are expected to become available on iPads. Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, has committed to supporting its iOS app store on iPads this year, offering users a larger display for gaming on the go. This will provide a broader range of apps, including some that may not meet Apple’s strict App Store guidelines. The introduction of third-party app stores will give users greater flexibility in choosing where to download apps, potentially at lower costs, and may drive more innovation in app development.
In addition to third-party app stores, iPadOS 18 will allow European users to uninstall preloaded iPad apps and choose their own default apps for web browsing, emails, and other services—breaking from Apple’s traditionally strict control over iPadOS. The update will also open the operating system to apps that use alternative browser engines other than Apple’s WebKit, further diversifying app development opportunities on iPads.
Apple initially argued that iPadOS did not meet the required user base threshold to fall under the DMA, but the EU’s antitrust authorities, led by Margrethe Vestager, determined that iPadOS serves as an essential platform for companies looking to reach their customers. As a result, Apple had no choice but to comply with the regulations, allowing third-party app stores and alternative browsers on its devices.
While Apple has traditionally maintained that its App Store policies are meant to protect user security and privacy, the DMA’s requirements may increase competition and provide users with more freedom. By allowing alternative app marketplaces, iPad users could benefit from more diverse apps, lower prices, and new categories of applications that may not have been previously available.
However, concerns over security and app quality remain, as apps outside the Apple ecosystem may not go through the same rigorous vetting process that Apple uses for the App Store. Apple may introduce some safeguards to ensure that third-party apps meet basic security and privacy standards, but it remains to be seen how the company will balance these requirements with compliance.
The release of iPadOS 18 marks a significant shift in Apple’s app distribution policies in Europe, ushering in an era of greater flexibility for iPad users. With the arrival of third-party app stores and other user freedoms, European consumers will soon have more options for downloading apps and customizing their iPads to fit their preferences. This move is expected to bring more competition and innovation to the iOS ecosystem, though questions about security and app quality will likely remain at the forefront of user concerns.
As Europe continues to push for fairer competition in the digital space, the ripple effects of this legislation could influence global tech markets, potentially driving similar changes in other regions in the future.
