Apple is now facing double pressure as the Japan Antitrust Legislation prepares to go into effect. This legislation will be similar to the EU Digital Markets Act antitrust law that has been making waves on the internet. These antitrust moves both aim to force Apple to permit the sideloading of apps on their devices, hence giving users multiple sources to get the apps they need.
Unlike the move from the EU, this entry from Japan will move to the parliament next year. The EU, on the other hand, is already giving Apple till next year to permit sideloading on their devices across the region. By next year, Japan’s parliament will be reviewing this new antitrust legislation that targets big tech firms like Apple and Google.
Reports point out that these legislations aim to force big tech firms like Apple and Google to permit the use of third-party app stores. Google, on its part, already permits Android users to get their apps from other sources, not limiting them to the Play Store. Apple however has a more strict requirement as it permits users to download apps from only the App Store.
This means that the effect of this Japan Antitrust Legislation will be felt by Apple if it passes the parliament. By the spring of 2024 it’ll become clear to netizens the stand of the Japanese parliament on this matter. While the region’s stand is not yet clear, the EU has already taken a clear stand to force Apple to permit app sideloading on their devices.
So, even if the Japanese parliament rules against this move, Apple might still have to permit sideloading on their devices. However, there is a possibility that Apple might make sideloading exclusive to the EU by next year and not all regions. By next year, the details on the Japan Antitrust Legislation as well as which regions will get the ability to sideload apps to Apple devices will become available.