Apple recently unveiled forthcoming adjustments to the App Store and iPhone functionality within the European Union, driven by the necessity to adhere to the Digital Markets Act. However, an interview with Apple Fellow Phil Schiller underscores Apple’s significant apprehensions regarding these changes.
Speaking with Fast Company, Schiller acknowledged the introduction of alternatives such as alternative app marketplaces and in-app purchase options, providing developers with new avenues. Yet, he emphasized the accompanying risks.
“While these new regulations offer developers additional choices, they also introduce new risks. There’s no denying that. Therefore, we are taking every possible measure to mitigate these risks for all parties involved,” Schiller elaborated.
The inclusion of third-party app marketplaces will broaden the iPhone’s accessibility to content previously restricted by Apple. Schiller remarked to Fast Company, “Ultimately, there have been content categories that we have excluded from our App Store—content we deemed unsafe or unsuitable. It will not be within our purview to dictate whether these alternative marketplaces enforce similar terms and restrictions.”
He further expounded on the heightened risk for users:
“For over 15 years, we have continually fielded feedback from families, governments, regarding measures to either prohibit certain objectionable content on our App Store or grant users control over their experience to determine what is suitable for them—and we have established guidelines for this,” Schiller remarked. “However, these guidelines will not extend to other marketplaces unless they opt to establish their own criteria. Does this elevate the risk for users and families encountering objectionable content or other undesirable experiences? Undoubtedly.”
Schiller expressed particular concern about apps exclusive to third-party app marketplaces. “Such scenarios will compel many users to agree to marketplace terms without comprehensive knowledge about them,” he cautioned.
