What you should know
- The DMA is forcing Apple to allow sideloading of third-party apps by iPhone users, primarily in the 27 EU member countries. This change shifts the responsibility of keeping infected apps off of the iPhone to the device owners themselves.
- Apple has always disallowed users from sideloading apps to prevent the accidental installation of malware on their phones. However, this could potentially lead to issues such as financial account breaches or iPhone performance degradation for users unaware of malware and trojans.
- Under pressure from the EU, Apple has announced that it will open up the iPhone’s on-device NFC technology to third-party payment platforms. This will enable third-party firms in the 27 EU countries to offer contactless payment for iPhone users, becoming competition for Apple Pay.
- Apple will have to allow access to the iPhone’s on-device NFC tech for 10 years, with a fine valued at 10% of the company’s worldwide revenue if it fails to comply. Based on fiscal 2023 revenue, this could potentially result in a $38.3 billion penalty for Apple.
Full Story
Apple’s being put under the thumb by the DMA. They’re making them open up to third-party apps for sideloading on iPhones. But, this might only be a thing in the 27 EU member countries. Apple’s always been a bit of a stickler, not letting users sideload apps. They said it was to stop folks from accidentally getting malware on their phones.
Now, in the EU, Apple’s passing the buck. They’re saying, “Hey, it’s up to you to keep your iPhone clean.” It might be the right move, but some people might not be clued up about malware and trojans. And no, I’m not talking about those Trojans. I’m talking about nasty apps that disguise themselves to attack your phone, kind of like the mythical Trojan Horse.
If you’re not careful, these could wipe your financial accounts or slow down your iPhone. And remember, this sideloading thing is only for the 27 EU countries.
The EU’s not stopping there though. They’re making Apple open up the iPhone’s NFC technology to third-party payment platforms. This means other companies in the 27 EU countries can offer contactless payment for iPhone users. Sounds like Apple Pay’s got some competition.
Apple spilled the beans to The Wall Street Journal, saying they’ve offered to let third-party developers in the European Economic Area provide an option for NFC contactless payments. But this won’t be part of Apple Pay or Apple Wallet. Just like the sideloading, it’s expected that this will only be for the EU.
Apple’s got to let third-party mobile payment services access the iPhone’s NFC tech for 10 years. If they don’t, they could be looking at a fine of 10% of their worldwide revenue. For Apple, based on their 2023 revenue, that’s a whopping $38.3 billion. Ouch.
