Apple opens up iPhones in Japan to outside app stores
Big news for iPhone users in Japan: Apple will now let third-party app stores onto its devices, thanks to new competition laws.
This means developers can launch their own app marketplaces, and users get more choices beyond the official App Store.
Apple's taking a minimum 5% cut from these sales, and developers can offer their own in-app payment systems for apps distributed through Apple's App Store, though Apple will still charge commissions.
What else is changing?
Apple will review and approve these new app stores, make sure age ratings are enforced, and run security checks on all apps—even those from outside sources.
Plus, developers using the regular App Store can add external payment links for a lower 15% commission (instead of the usual 26%).
The rules also say iPhones must work with more third-party devices—unless there's a real risk to user data.