Apple will block users from downloading third-party apps outside the European Union

Even with the help of a VPN, Apple won’t let you install apps from outside the App Store if the user is not in Europe. A new support document published by the manufacturer shows that third-party programs stop working as soon as the owner of a branded device leaves the European Union.

To limit the supply to Europeans, Apple established a set of rules. The first of these Obligation to link Apple ID to a member state of the European Unionfollowed by geolocation verification (GPS).

With GPS verification, Apple prevents iPhone users from abusing VPNs to download apps from outside the App Store. The mechanism prevents changing the IP region from fooling Apple servers.

Although Apple checks your GPS location, it does not know your exact location. Verification is superficial and only the country where the user is located is checked.

Restrictions abroad

If an iPhone user residing in Europe travels to countries outside the economic bloc, third-party apps will continue to work for a short period of time. But, If you’re away for too long, you’ll lose some features, including the ability to access alternative stores.

As a result, this restriction also prevents apps distributed by third-party stores from being updated.

But, Apple did not specify how long the permissions would be revokedIt did not explain the reasons for so many restrictions for users. But from a company perspective, this could be a way to protect users.