Apple has announced significant changes coming to iOS for users in the European Union, driven by compliance with the Digital Markets Act. These changes, anticipated to arrive with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, have important implications for game developers and studios.
Deletable App Store
In a move previously considered unimaginable, Apple will allow users in the EU to delete the App Store from their iPhones and iPads. This change stems from the EU’s mandate to allow third-party app stores on iOS.
The ability to delete the App Store and the introduction of third-party app stores will significantly impact the iOS ecosystem. Developers will face increased competition for user attention and may need to adapt their distribution and monetization strategies. User choice will expand, potentially leading to a more fragmented market where discoverability becomes even more crucial.
Deletion of Core Apps
Along with the App Store, core iOS apps like Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari will also be deletable in the EU.
Allowing users to delete core apps opens opportunities for developers of alternative apps to become the default choice. This could lead to a more diverse app ecosystem, but also requires developers to consider how their apps might integrate or interact with different default apps chosen by users.
Browser Choice Screen Enhancements
Apple will also enhance the browser choice screen introduced in response to earlier EU directives. This screen, displayed during setup and after updates, will now provide more detailed information about available browsers and their performance.
The enhanced browser choice screen aims to level the playing field for browser developers by providing users with more information and promoting transparency. This could lead to increased adoption of alternative browsers, impacting developers who rely heavily on Safari integration or features.
The Potential for Increased Revenue and Reduced Fees
These changes also present the potential for increased revenue and reduced fees for developers. Competition among app stores could lead to lower platform fees, allowing developers to retain a larger share of their earnings.
Changes Limited to the EU
It’s important to note that these changes are currently limited to users in the European Union. Apple iPhone owners in regions like the U.S. will not have the option to delete the App Store or core apps.
