Apple has seemingly confirmed that it will have to make changes to some App Store policies to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to financial filings first spotted by TechCrunch.
According to Apple’s 10-K financial form and under the “Business Risks” section, the company expects to make “further business changes in the future” specifically to the App Store in order to comply with the DMA. Apple also confirms that changes are forced to be implemented by March 2024, suggesting that it could allow sideloading apps — referred to in the form as “how it manages distribution of apps outside of the App Store” — in a future update to iOS 17.
Furthermore, Apple also suggests that changes will also span “alternative purchasing mechanisms” inside and outside the App Store. The company plans to set limits on developers’ ability “to communicate with consumers inside the App Store regarding alternative purchasing mechanisms.” Apple also mentions that changes brought by the DMA could affect the fee it charges developers to distribute apps in the App Store under its Apple Developer Program, currently priced at $99 a year.
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Apple finally warns that these changes could “materially adversely” affect its business and commissions obtained if they result in lower sales going directly through the App Store. Elsewhere in the form, the company confirms that antitrust investigations in Europe and other jurisdictions over the App Store’s terms and conditions could also make it subject to “significant fines.”
Earlier today, it was revealed Google and other firms signed a letter urging the EU to place iMessage under DMA’s regulations as the Union has seemingly not made up its mind regarding the messaging service’s status. On the other hand, multiple Apple services have officially been placed under the DMA including Safari, iOS App Store, and iOS itself.
