Apple will have to relent when it comes to company policies, not by their own will, but because of a certain law.
If Apple wants to continue doing business in the EU, that is, if they want to avoid potential fines, they will have to comply with the Digital Markets Act, which will soon come into effect.
Among other things, the law is designed to limit the power of big tech companies like Apple, who require developers to sell their iPhone and iPad applications exclusively through Apple stores, for which the company charges a commission, enforces the use of their Apple Pay payment services, etc.
As a result, owners of iPhones and iPads currently have limited choices when it comes to applications, relying solely on the App Store. While such a policy represents a significant restriction for developers, Apple emphasizes security as the reason for using only their app store.
But we are approaching the day when Apple will have to loosen its rules, not willingly, but because of the mentioned law. By implementing it, an opportunity is created for the opening of other app stores through which developers can offer their applications to iPhone and iPad users, and under better conditions for them, as we will no longer have to pay Tim Cook's company's commission.
One such alternative to Apple devices is a service called Setapp, which should provide iPhone and iPad users, as well as Mac users, with access to applications not available on the App Store. Setapp is interesting in that it is a subscription-based service, so users pay a monthly subscription to access all available applications. Currently, there are more than 240 applications available, and the number of applications is expected to increase over time, with users being able to find applications in categories such as optimization, business and creative applications, and programming applications, at least for now, there are no games.
Interestingly, Setapp also comes with support for artificial intelligence, and their AI chatbot advises users on applications that would best suit their needs.
This service is already available on Mac devices for a price of ten dollars per month (there is also a plan for 4 computers that costs 15 dollars per month), and once the law allows it, Setapp will be able to be used on iPhones and iPads. Then we will find out the price of the monthly subscription for iOS devices, and it is already known that individuals who combine subscriptions for Mac and iOS will pay $12.50 per month.
All interested owners of iPhones and iPads can already join the waiting list for the first alternative app store for these devices. Considering that iPhone and iPad applications have been bought in a similar way, through the App Store, for more than a decade, alternative stores that will not be under Apple's control represent a radical change in the way Apple devices are used, or rather the applications on them, writes Zimo.
