Apple Inc is preparing to allow alternative app stores and side-loading on iOS. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the Software Engineering and Services Department is engaged in this major effort to open-source key elements of Apple’s platform.
The report states that as part of the changes, customers can finally download third-party software to their iPhones and iPads without using the company’s App Store, bypassing Apple’s restrictions and the 30% imposed on in-app payments. You can bypass the commission.
The move comes as a response to EU laws that aim to level the playing field for third-party developers and improve the digital lives of consumers.
Apple is also working to open up its private application programming interface, or API, to third-party apps. The report states that they are the underlying framework that allows apps and features to interact with Apple’s hardware and core system functions.
Currently, third-party web browsers, including those such as Chrome from Alphabet Inc’s Google, are required to use WebKit, Apple’s Safari browsing engine. Apple is considering removing that mandate as part of a plan to meet the new law.
These changes will be part of the legislation that has mandated Apple to adopt USB-C type charging ports.
Big reveal for iPhone users; Apple may open up to third-party application stores