Apple has confirmed that the changes introduced for the iPhone ecosystem in the European Union will also be extended to iPad users. This move comes as a result of the Digital Markets Act introduced by the European Union, designating platforms as gatekeepers to prevent monopoly abuses.
Under the new regulations, iPadOS has been designated as a gatekeeper platform, and Apple will bring the recent iOS changes to iPadOS later this fall to comply with the EU requirements. These changes will allow alternative app marketplaces to exist, enabling users to download apps from sources other than the Apple App Store.
Users will also have the freedom to choose a different browser for their devices, not limited to WebKit-based browsers as seen in other regions. Additionally, users can select their preferred default search engine, providing more flexibility and choice.
Furthermore, the changes will expand contactless payment options beyond Apple Wallet and Apple Pay, allowing developers to utilize NFC technology in their banking and wallet apps throughout the European Economic Area.
Developers opting for alternative app marketplaces will be required to pay a Core Technology Fee for downloads exceeding the first million installs. However, Apple has clarified that if the same app is installed on both iPhone and iPad, it will count as a single install, helping developers manage the threshold effectively.
In a recent update, Apple announced a modification to the Core Technology Fee, stating that developers with no revenue, such as those offering free apps without ads, will be exempt from the fee. Additionally, small developers with less than €10 million in global annual revenue will receive a 3-year free on-ramp to the Core Technology Fee, supporting them in creating innovative apps and growing their businesses.
While many developers may continue to remain App Store-exclusive, the expansion of these changes to the iPad ecosystem in the EU is expected to have a significant impact on the app development landscape.
