Long EU Absence: Losing Access to iOS Third-Party App Stores
0Apple's Latest iOS 17.4 Update and the Implications of EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Yesterday, Apple rolled out the much-anticipated iOS 17.4 (along with iPadOS 17.4), aligning with the newly enforced Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union. However, Apple's compliance appears reluctant, marked by a tone of resentment evident in its press releases and support documentation.
A notable provision in the update relates to access to third-party app stores for EU citizens. Apple's support document outlines repercussions for EU citizens who spend extended periods outside the EU. Those who venture "too long" outside the EU risk losing access to third-party app stores, with the ambiguous definition of "too long" leaving users in uncertainty.
Apple offers a slight reprieve for short-term travelers, granting them a grace period to access alternative app marketplaces. However, beyond this grace period, users may face restrictions. If users find themselves outside the EU for an extended period, they won't be able to download additional third-party app stores or receive updates for apps installed from these stores.
These measures stem from the requirement that users must physically be located within the EU and have an Apple ID registered to an EU country to access the new features mandated by the DMA. Notably, Apple emphasizes privacy preservation by utilizing on-device processing to determine user eligibility, without collecting device location data.
While Apple's efforts to comply with the DMA are evident, the implementation raises questions about user freedom and the practical implications of regulatory compliance.
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