Apple may launch alternative App Store in Europe; to understand

Apple plans to split the App Store into two to meet the demands of the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA). In the latest issue of the “Power On” newsletter, analyst Mark Gurman noted: The company is preparing a second platform that is open to stores and third-party payment mechanisms.

Thus, the company will be able to maintain the App Store worldwide without any changes, and consumers residing in European Union countries will be able to have a second application. With this second platform it will be possible to download other developers’ storesLike Epic Games Store.

It’s unclear what this new platform will look like, and there’s no confirmation that this will be Apple’s strategy. According to Gurman, the new application should be launched on March 7 this year.

More open ecosystem

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires companies like Apple to pave the way for other developers to distribute apps and services on their own.

Naturally, the legislation is not in Apple’s favor. By making room for more stores, payment methods and service providers, The company loses control over the distribution of applications on the iPhone.

As a result, the company can no longer control which apps can be installed on iOS, and controversies like the one with Epic Games that resulted in Fortnite being removed from the App Store will no longer occur. If an app is removed from the App Store for any reason, it may be distributed to the public through other stores.

Additionally, alternative store owners may offer more favorable distribution arrangements than Apple, including discounted fees and exclusivity agreements.