Apple has shared new details on the safeguards and built-in restrictions it’s putting in place to prevent users outside of the European Union from accessing alternative app marketplaces and more as part of the iOS 17.4 update.
In a newly published support document, Apple first says that the Apple ID’s region must be set to one of the EU’s 27 member states for the user’s iPhone running iOS 17.4 to gain access to DMA-enabled features. Apple also states that users must be physically present within the EU’s borders to receive those features. iPhones running iOS 17.4 will perform a geolocation check privately on-device to assess eligibility for alternative app marketplaces, according to Apple. Apple will not have access to users’ locations, with their iPhones only sending an “indicator of eligibility” to the company.
Apple says that users who travel outside the EU’s border will continue to retain access to alternative app marketplaces for a short grace period, although the company does not explicitly state the timeframe’s limit.
Users who are “gone for too long” outside of the EU will lose access to some features such as installing new alternative app marketplaces on their iPhones, Apple says. Apple does not mention how long it considers “too long.” Apps that were downloaded from an alternative marketplace will continue to function normally, but they can only receive updates once users are back within the EU’s borders.
Users outside of the EU had hoped that typical tricks for accessing geo-restricted apps and features would work with the changes in iOS 17.4. Those tricks include changing the iPhone’s region, using a VPN, or simply changing the country associated with their Apple ID.
All in all, Apple is making it clear that it’s going multiple steps further in ensuring that only users who must have access to the expanded app ecosystem have access. In a FAQ section on its developer website, Apple says it’s not bringing these changes to users outside of the EU because “this is not the safest system for our users.” The company goes on to state some of the risks associated with alternative app marketplaces, including malware, fraud, scams, and more.
With the update, released today, Apple is introducing massive changes to the iPhone’s app ecosystem, enabling users in the EU to download apps from alternative app marketplaces and more for the first time. The changes were forced upon the company thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is set to be enforced tomorrow.
Beyond EU-specific changes, iOS 17.4 introduces notable updates across the board. Changes include PQ3 support for iMessage, new emojis, transcripts for Apple Podcasts, and more.
