Apple has opted not to contest the European Union's decision to categorize its iPad as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), despite official indications that the device does not meet the necessary criteria. This surprising move was revealed following an announcement from EU anti-competition chief Margrethe Vestager, who acknowledged that although the iPad did not fulfill the DMA thresholds, it was still being treated as a significant platform under the regulations.
"Our investigation demonstrated that iPadOS serves as a critical platform for numerous businesses to connect with their customers, necessitating its inclusion under DMA obligations," Vestager explained.
By autumn, Apple plans to update iPadOS to support third-party App Stores. This change will align the iPad with the iPhone, which is already adjusting to similar EU mandates. This means that developers will be able to set up independent app stores or distribute their iPad apps directly from their websites, but only within the EU's 27 member states.
Apple also clarified an important detail regarding its Core Technology Fee. The fee, which varies based on the number of first-time app installs per year, will now count installations of the same app on both an iPhone and an iPad as a single first install if done within the same year. This adjustment could potentially reduce the financial burden on developers offering apps across both platforms.
The company has updated its developer documentation and its online calculator tool, which helps developers understand the potential costs and benefits of adhering to the new EU rules compared to sticking with Apple's existing App Store framework.
This move by Apple not only underscores the company's willingness to adapt to regulatory changes but also highlights the evolving landscape of digital marketplaces in the EU.
