"You can add Japan to the list of regions where Apple has been forced to do something it would rather not: open up the App Store. On Thursday, the company announced changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the nation's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). The tighter regulations for Apple and Google, which overlap with Europe's, took effect today. Users in the US and elsewhere won't see any of these changes."
"The company calls this set of safeguards Notarization. It involves an authorization process for alternative app stores and child-safety protocols. Third-party marketplaces will need to undergo a baseline security review. This uses a combination of human and automated checks to block malware and other threats. Naturally, Apple cautions that Notarization is less comprehensive than the App Store's reviews."
iOS 26.2 in Japan enables alternative app stores, new payment options and browser choice to comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act. Alternative marketplaces and third-party app stores must undergo a Notarization authorization process and baseline security review combining human and automated checks to block malware and other threats. Notarization includes child-safety protocols but is described as less comprehensive than the App Store's reviews. Developers can use non-Apple payment processors within apps or link to external websites for purchases, with children's content exempt. Opening the App Store creates revenue risk given $1.3 trillion in 2024 total sales.
Read at Engadget
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]