These Are the Countries Where You Can Install Apps Outside of the iOS App Store

[MacRumors]

Apple today completely overhauled its app system, introducing changes that allow developers to distribute their apps through alternative app stores and use alternative methods of payment in iOS 17.4. Unfortunately, these changes are limited to countries that are in the European Union, and they won't be implemented worldwide.

There are 27 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Options to install apps through alternative app stores will only be available in the countries listed above, and elsewhere in the world, there will be no changes to how apps are installed and distributed.

Apple said that it is limiting these changes to the EU because the company is concerned about how alternative app stores and payment methods will impact user privacy and security. Apple claims that users are now at risk for being exposed to malware, illicit and questionable app content, pirated software, scams, and fraud.

The updates to the iOS app ecosystem were mandated by Europe's Digital Markets Act, which Apple must comply with by March 6, 2024. If Apple did not change its app rules, it could have faced significant fines levied by the European Commission.

Given Apple's concerns over user privacy and security, the company is unlikely to implement similar changes worldwide without being forced to by similar legislation from other countries. Note that these features are tied to the iOS 17.4 beta that was released today. Apple plans to release iOS 17.4 in March.

Article Link: These Are the Countries Where You Can Install Apps Outside of the iOS App Store

 

[MrGimper]

Thanks Brexit 🙄🙄

 

[contacos]

Any word on how they will determine if you are actually in one of those countries?

 

[Spock]

So will this be location based on all iPhones or will we have specific iPhone models for these countries?

 

[brofkand]

Apple is obviously not going to expand this unless forced to with legislation. And the US will never pass legislation like this. Too bad.

 

[aidler]

Thanks Brexit 🙄🙄

Move to Ireland.

 

[smoker68x]

Is it for EU registered Apple ID’s, or does it go based on location services?

 

[TigerNike23]

Apple is obviously not going to expand this unless forced to with legislation. And the US will never pass legislation like this. Too bad.

This 100%. There’s no political will to do anything like that here in the US.

 

[smoker68x]

So will this be location based on all iPhones or will we have specific iPhone models for these countries?

It has to be location based as they have to allow it on all phones right now.

 

[stocklen]

Thanks Brexit 🙄🙄

Thanks Brexit!!

Who asked for this rubbish.... Id rather keep my phone secure thanks.

 

[Polaroid]

Move to Ireland.

I’m UK but have an Irish passport 🤷 wonder if I’ll be able to get access lol

 

[1129846]

Apple said that it is limiting these changes to the EU because the company is concerned about how alternative app stores and payment methods will impact user privacy and security. Apple claims that users are now at risk for being exposed to malware, illicit and questionable app content, pirated software, scams, and fraud.

That is a complete and utter lie and everyone knows it.
Lets be honest on the real reason. It means less money for Apple.
Just admit the truth Apple the real reason is about greed. I will call you greedy for it but I can at least respect you being honest. Right now it is just Apple being greedy and a complete liar.

 

[DanTheMan827]

I fail to see how these terms are even remotely compliant with the DMA… Apple still has all the control to approve or deny apps from the platform, and they’re now charging developers of free apps distributed within or outside of the App Store an absolutely insane fee if they want literally any of the new APIs…

A free app like VLC would end up paying Apple millions for even using a single new API…

 

[CoreForce]

Any word on how they will determine if you are actually in one of those countries?

Your AppleID is registered into a country.

 

[hans1972]

I'm so happy Norway isn't included! I thought we would be included because of the EEC-agreement.

Fortunately the might of the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of Iceland and the Principality of Liechtenstein saved us once again.

 

[2540497]

I guess this will come to the UK soon if the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill becomes legislation

 

[Dave245]

Finally one perk of Brexit, I'm not for this at all. Apple shouldn't be forced to open up their App Store or any of their software.

 

[Jay-Jacob]

Phew at least I know Apple is following EU as EU not treating whole Europe as EU like some companies do. I didn't want UK be in this mainly I don't want deal all issues might appear and banks withdraw from Apple Pay as well etc. At least for now we can watch how it goes in EU.

 

[aespana]

Will this be limited to a IP location? Can I open a European iCloud account to allow me to install apps outside the store?

 

[apfelbaum]

Given Apple's concerns over user privacy and security, the company is unlikely to implement similar changes worldwide without being forced to by similar legislation from other countries.

I actually kind of believe this, however Apple in the end is also a normal company that foremost cares about profits and the reason they limit these changes to the EU is for 99% that they want to receive their cuts for sales in the AppStore.

 

[Cruncher]

Of course Switzerland is not getting all of that either. If it is impacting us in a negative way we are counted as „EU conform“. But for all the good things we will get locked out.

I don‘t need all of that. But It would be nice to have an option and I am still happy we are not part of the EU.

Also as an IT Person and believer of net neutrality I don‘t like that apple is splitting if the world in 2 Parts.

 

[rb24]

Generally speaking with all legislation the intended effects don't all materialise and then there are the unintended effects to contend with. We'll see how this goes but may be moving my apple ID out of the EU. More adminstrative hassle. Thanks EU

 

[bsolar]

Of course Switzerland is not getting all of that either. If it is impacting us in a negative way we are counted as „EU conform“. But for all the good things we will get locked out.

The Swiss Parliament weighted on the issue here.

Basically they expect Apple to implement the EU rules in Switzerland too and if not they would consider legislative intervention.

 

[JPack]

Any word on how they will determine if you are actually in one of those countries?

Probably by users self-identifying. Unlikely to be geoblocked as that would cause problems for travelers. Limiting it to SKUs sold in the EU would also be trouble as there are so many imported devices. The DMA regulation text is pretty broad and applies as long as Apple is operating in the EU market.

 

[Adysubman]

Let’s fast forward 2 to 3 years where the EU is threatening Legal action against Apple for not protecting consumers against malware and fraud from third party app stores.