Russia plans to demand that Apple open a third-party app store for iOS

RIA Novosti previously reported that the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation is promoting legislation similar to EU DMA Law. This law would require Apple to open up the ability to install third-party app stores for iPhone and other users. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development planned to submit such a bill to the State Duma in the first quarter of 2023. Please note that the State Duma of the Assembly of the Russian Federation, referred to as the State Duma, is the permanent legislative body of Russia, primarily responsible for drafting and the introduction of national laws.

Anton Gorelkin (Gorelkin), deputy chairman of the Committee on Information Policy of the State Duma of Russia and chairman of the board of directors of ROCIT, said that this move was due to the appearance of the Russian domestic application market RuStore (iOS version). He said

“At the moment, the relevant Russian departments have contacted the Americans on this issue (referring to Apple executives) and have reached a preliminary agreement: this option will allow them to stay on the Russian market and make money.”

However, he also expressed concerns on this occasion. He believes the bill could subject the Russian app store to more sanctions, thereby causing more problems for Russian Apple users. He added

Where this leads us is another question. After all, Russian app stores are likely to be subject to the next wave of sanctions. If RuStore is blocked, it is unlikely that we will regain the ability to fully run web applications. Won’t this cause even more problems for Russian users of Apple devices? I hope that the Ministry of Digital Development will realize these risks and provide appropriate protection mechanisms in the draft law that is being prepared.

At the moment, neither the Russian government nor the State Duma have publicly stated their official position. It may be difficult to get the bill into effect in the short term.

Apple compliance with EU regulations

Apple is poised to revolutionize its iOS ecosystem by allowing third-party app stores to be installed on iPhones and iPads, a move prompted by tough regulations imposed by the European Union (EU) due to come into effect this year. This significant change comes in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced by the EU, which aims to promote competition and empower consumers by reducing the dominance of tech giants like Apple.

Apple’s decision to allow alternative app stores on its devices is part of a broader effort to comply with EU regulatory requirements. The move will allow customers to download third-party software directly to their devices, bypassing Apple’s App Store and its associated restrictions, including up to a 30% commission on payments.

Implications for Apple and consumers

The implementation of this change will have far-reaching implications for both Apple and European consumers. Although Apple has challenged some aspects of EU rules, it is preparing for a significant transformation in its app distribution model. The company will need to adapt its policies and systems to accommodate these new regulations, potentially affecting revenue streams and market dominance.

Benefits and risks for users

For European users, this change opens up new possibilities and freedoms in choosing how to access software on their devices. The ability to sideload apps from third-party stores can improve flexibility and offer access to a wider range of apps that were previously limited by Apple’s App Store guidelines. However, this newfound freedom also comes with risks, such as potential exposure to malware or harmful content.

Developers’ point of view

Developers are also poised to take advantage of these changes, with new capabilities for app distribution and payment processing. The introduction of more than 600 new APIs, advanced app analytics and payment processing options will give developers more flexibility in reaching consumers within the EU market. However, developers will need to carefully navigate the new landscape to ensure compliance with DMA regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Apple’s decision to allow the installation of third-party app stores on iPhone and iPad, driven by the regulatory requirements of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), marks a significant change in the iOS ecosystem. The move reflects a broader trend toward promoting competition and empowering consumers by reducing the dominance of tech giants like Apple. Russia’s plans to introduce such a regulation are no surprise. If this law is in place in Europe, it was only a matter of time before other regions demanded the same law.

The consequences of this change are manifold. For Apple, this requires a fundamental transformation in its app distribution model and requires adjustments to its policies and systems to comply with EU regulations. While this change may affect Apple’s revenue streams and market dominance, it also opens up new opportunities for European consumers and developers.

For users, the ability to sideload apps from third-party stores offers greater flexibility and access to a wider range of apps, albeit with associated risks such as exposure to malware. However, developers can take advantage of the expanded opportunities to distribute applications and process payments within the EU market, albeit with the need to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

As Apple navigates these changes and adjusts its strategies to align with regulatory frameworks, it highlights the evolving landscape of technology regulation and its impact on digital ecosystems worldwide. The move toward greater openness and competition in app distribution reflects broader efforts to balance innovation with consumer protection and market fairness in the digital age.