When the European Union introduced the Digital Markets Act, it prompted significant reactions from large tech companies like Apple. The Act mandated a new feature in iOS 17.5, currently in its second beta phase and expected to be released in May. This feature, requiring devices to install apps directly from the web, has raised concerns about its impact on the App Store.
The legislation aims to make smartphones more akin to personal computers, where downloading software from the internet is commonplace. While currently applicable only in the European Economic Area, there is speculation that other nations, including the U.S. and U.K., may adopt similar measures in the future.