- The EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA) will make iPhone sideloading, third-party app stores, and iMessage interoperability possible in the region.
- Seven tech companies, including Apple, have declared themselves as gatekeepers under the new legislation.
- The gatekeepers will have six months to comply with the DMA rules, which include no longer locking users into their ecosystem and allowing for interoperability between messaging apps.
The European Union (EU) has announced a new Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will make iPhone sideloading, third-party app stores, and iMessage interoperability possible in the region. Seven tech companies, including Apple, have declared themselves as gatekeepers under the new legislation and have six months to comply with the DMA rules, which include not locking users into their ecosystem and allowing for interoperability between messaging apps.
Apple practically confirmed these imminent changes for the EU customers, but there has been no mention of whether these features will be available worldwide. Apple’s Craig Federighi said the company will comply with the DMA laws without elaborating or committing to a deadline for making sideloading happen. Reports suggest that iOS 17 will probably get sideloading support in Europe, and that third-party app stores and payment systems, as well as iMessage compatibility with Google’s RCS (and maybe other messaging apps) will be available by March 6th, the deadline for complying with the DMA.
The EU’s new legislation may improve competition and user experience across devices and tech platforms, but users don’t necessarily have to agree with them.
