Apple supports installed third-party app stores outside the EU for up to 30 days

Apple supports third-party app stores for up to 30 days when the user is outside the European Union. After that, new apps and updates can no longer be installed via these third-party app stores.

From the release of iOS 17.4, Apple will support third-party app stores to comply with the recently introduced Digital Markets Act. Users can install these platforms within the European Union, provided they are physically located there and have set an EU country or region for their Apple ID. When a user resides outside the EU, app stores and apps installed via these platforms can be updated for up to 30 days. After that, users will no longer be able to install apps or updates through third-party app stores. In principle, the installed apps will continue to work as normal afterwards.

The updated conditions show that Apple determines whether a user is still in the European Union based on a local process on a relevant iPhone. A company spokesperson also confirmed this to Tweakers. No precise location data would be shared with Apple; With a local process, the iPhone maker checks whether a user is eligible for permission to install third-party app stores. 'An indication of the confirmation or rejection' is then sent to Apple.

Under the DMA that came into effect this week, Apple must allow developers to release their own app stores. These platforms still have to be approved by the company. Apps installed through third-party app stores can also use their own payment methods, meaning developers pay less commission to Apple. Apps that are downloaded more than a million times must pay the company 50 euro cents per installation.