The update is dedicated to discussing the latest regarding Apple and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU regulation targeting Big Tech was signed into law in September. We go over the differences found between Apple allowing sideloading and alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads. The discussion also covers how Neil thinks Apple can go about offering sideloading. The update concludes with why Neil thinks the DMA is one of the most absurd pieces of tech regulation that has existed.

Hello everyone. Today's update will go over the latest regarding Apple and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The EU regulation targeting Big Tech was signed into law in September. Let's jump right in.

Apple Planning for iPhone and iPad Sideloading in EU

Over at Bloomberg, here’s Mark Gurman:

“Apple Inc. is preparing to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads, part of a sweeping overhaul aimed at complying with strict European Union requirements coming in 2024.

Software engineering and services employees are engaged in a major push to open up key elements of Apple’s platforms, according to people familiar with the efforts. As part of the changes, customers could ultimately download third-party software to their iPhones and iPads without using the company’s App Store, sidestepping Apple’s restrictions and the up-to-30% commission it imposes on payments.

The moves — a reversal of long-held policies — are a response to EU laws aimed at leveling the playing field for third-party developers and improving the digital lives of consumers. For years, regulators and software makers have complained that Apple and Google, which run the two biggest mobile app stores, wield too much power as gatekeepers…

The changes underway within Apple are being led by Andreas Wendker, a longtime software engineering vice president who reports to Craig Federighi, the company’s top software executive. Jeff Robbin — Apple’s top engineering manager for its services, who reports to head of services Eddy Cue — is also involved.”

There is a lot of detail missing from Gurman’s piece.

At the beginning of his article, Gurman says that Apple is preparing to allow “alternative app stores” on iPhone and iPads in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). A few sentences later he merely says Apple will allow users to “download third-party software” to iPhones and iPads. Those two things may sound similar to each other, but they can lead to dramatically different outcomes for both developers and users.

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