Apple May Charge Fee for Outside App Installation Support

Developers may still face restrictions and fees in the external application installation support offered by Apple for the European Union (EU). According to The Wall Street Journal, app sideloading capabilities will allow users to download apps from outside the App Store for the first time. Let us remind you that this change is mandated by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb blatant anti-competitive behavior by big tech companies.

Apple reportedly plans to comply with EU law, keeping close control over apps downloaded from outside the App Store. Apple has not yet announced final plans to comply with this aspect of the DMA, but The Wall Street Journal provided new details, citing people familiar with the company’s plans. Specifically, Apple will apparently retain the ability to review every app available outside the app store and charge the developers who offer them. The exact details of the fee structure to be applied are unknown.

Apple has reportedly been working on a plan to introduce sideloading for more than a year, and the company has held meetings with EU officials to discuss new rules in recent months. The deadline for the changes to come into force is March 7.