According to data collected by DemandSage, there are more than 1.5 billion active iPhone users worldwide as of 2023. Over 2.24 billion iPhone units have been sold to date, and 153 million units were sold in the first three quarters of 2023. This is an impressive feat for a brand that sells a lineup of devices, with specific hardware and unique Operating systems. It’s not like on Android where you will find multiple variations of the OS and different brands with different specs. If you’re in the market for an iPhone, you basically accept what Apple has to offer in terms of hardware and software. However, this does not seem to be the case for Joe Biden and their administration which is asking for some drastic changes with iOS 17.
Joe Biden vs Apple struggle begins
A report that comes from Biden Administration this week recommends new legislation. The goal is to make major changes to Apple’s iOS and change the App Store policies.
The National Telecom. and Information Administration (NTIA) is the president’s main advisor on telecom and internet policies. Back in April 2022, the NTIA launched an investigation to analyze the competition among mobile app OS. The investigation came from an executive order. The goal was to bring changes and improve competition. Also, it aims to reduce the barriers for newcomers and improve the experience for users.
Today, the NITA came with the first report on Apple’s iOS. We may see the following changes to App Store and iOS as a whole:
Gizchina News of the week
Recommendations for Apple Store and iOS 17
- Apple needs to allow third-party app stores. The brand can’t prevent users to install apps outside of the App Store. Also, it needs to allow alternative app stores and web apps.
- Devs should be free to use their own in-app payment systems.
- No more browser engine restrictions for third-party browser apps
- Pre-installed apps and Default Options should be limited.
- Users need to freely choose their apps as defaults. iOS needs to allow to uninstall or hide apps
- Apple needs to improve its review processes in Apple Store.
The report recommends new legislation and additional antitrust enforcement actions. Apple stands as an obstacle in the race to improve competition.
iOS 17 is rumored to comply with new legislation
The United States alone is just one more country to join in a struggle against iOS. India, the EU, Japan, and South Korea already launched their quest against Apple and its current policies. As a result, there are rumors teasing big changes on iOS 17. More recent rumors say that Apple will finally allow users to install apps on iOS out of App Store. Similarly, the brand will allow third-party stores to operate on iOS.
Recently, Epic has been teasing its return of Fortnite to Apple devices. Epic Games and Apple have been amidst legal battles for the past two years because of Apple’s in-app payment system and rates. If the new changes are put into practice, then Fortnite will soon be able to return to iOS.
