Japan passes law forcing Apple to allow iOS App Marketplaces

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the major changes coming to iOS users in the European Union and Japan following the implementation of antitrust legislation that will force Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment platforms on its iOS platform.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Japan's Antitrust Law Affecting Apple's App Store

1. What are the key changes that the new Japanese antitrust law will force Apple to implement?

• The law will force Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces on iOS in Japan, similar to the changes implemented in the EU earlier this year.
• It will also require Apple to let developers use payment platforms of their choice rather than just Apple's native platform.
• The law prohibits tech giants like Apple from prioritizing their own services in search results.

2. What are the penalties for companies that violate the new Japanese law?

• Companies that infringe the law will have to pay a fine of 20% of the domestic revenue of the infringing service.
• The fine will increase to 30% if the company persists with the anti-competitive practices.

3. When will the new Japanese law come into effect?

• The law will come into effect by the end of 2025, giving Apple some time to implement the necessary changes to iOS.

[02] Global Antitrust Efforts Against Apple

1. What other antitrust actions is Apple facing globally?

• Apple is fighting a DOJ lawsuit in the US covering much of the same ground as the Japanese and EU laws.
• Apple is also facing similar investigations and legislation in a number of other countries around the world.

2. What changes have been implemented for iOS users in the EU?

• In the EU, iOS users now have the option of downloading apps through App Marketplaces or directly from developers' websites, although there are still many rules and guidelines behind this process.

3. What can iPhone users in Japan expect in the near future?

• iPhone users in Japan can now expect similar features to the EU, where they will have the option to download apps through alternative app marketplaces, in addition to using payment platforms of their choice.