Apple opens iPhones to rival app stores in Japan
What's the story
Apple has announced a major change in its business model for Japan. The tech giant will now allow Japanese developers to create their own app stores on iPhones, as part of a new law aimed at boosting competition in the country's smartphone market. Under these new rules, developers can launch their own app marketplaces on iPhones and pay Apple as little as 5% of sales made through those marketplaces and apps.
Payment options
Developers to offer own in-app payments
Along with the new app store rules, Apple will also let developers provide their own in-app payment options for apps distributed through its App Store. However, the company has clarified that this option will be offered alongside its own in-app payment system and developers will still have to pay commissions. This is a major shift from Apple's previous policy where developers had to pay up to 30% commission on in-app purchases of digital goods and services.
Regional differences
Japan's framework differs from Europe's
Unlike the European model, Japan's framework allows Apple to approve alternative app marketplaces. It also mandates age ratings for apps sold on these marketplaces, similar to its own App Store. The company has also promised a basic security check called notarization for all apps distributed through alternative marketplaces in line with the new law.
Hardware access
Apple to open iPhone hardware to 3rd-party device makers
The Japanese law also mandates Apple to open up its iPhone hardware to third-party device makers. However, the company has set up a system in Japan for taking interoperability requests but can reject them if they would expose sensitive user data. "Across these changes, Apple has worked to reduce new privacy and security risks the law creates to provide users in Japan the best and safest experience possible," Apple said in a blog post about these changes.