Apple confirmed today that it will bring the changes it made to iOS to the iPad later this year. This means that it will give users more freedom to install applications from sources other than the App Store.
This decision comes after the European Commission determined that iPadOS acts as a monopolistic platform. Under the Digital Markets Law, the European body will force Apple to make a range of changes that guarantee greater equality of opportunities.
You can also install apps outside the App Store on iPad
For users, this means greater freedom of choice when installing applications on the iPad. In other words, the App Store will not be the only place where you will find applications to install on your devices.
As with the iPhone, it will be possible to install third-party application stores on the iPad. Furthermore, you can download apps directly from their creators’ website.
Still, Apple has created some rules so that developers can distribute their apps in this way. In addition to having to be subscribed to Apple for more than two years, they will have to have at least one app with more than one million installations in the previous year.
Regarding this last paragraph, Apple clarifies that if users have the same app on their iPhone and iPad, this will only count as an installation towards this limit. Therefore, it will not be possible to get two million installs this way.
To ensure the privacy of its users, Apple requires developers to disclose their user data collection policies. Despite giving more freedom of distribution, the technology does not give up some control over what enters its ecosystem.
Apple is now waiting to confirm the date on which it will apply these changes to the iPad. With the WWDC 2024 conference taking place in early June, we hope the company can reveal more details on this matter.
