Mintsifra announced plans to oblige Apple to allow the installation of third-party applications

The Ministry of Digital Development intends to prepare a bill that will oblige Apple to allow third-party applications to be downloaded to its devices, as well as pay for purchases not only through the App Store in Russia, Minister Maksut Shadayev said. This initiative is similar to the European one.

“We are now preparing a bill similar to the European one, regarding the fact that the commission adopted the Digital Markets Act, according to which they were obliged to give the opportunity to install applications not from the App Store, and pay not from the App Store. We will also introduce such a bill now, stating that it will also be mandatory on the territory of the Russian Federation, ”Shadayev said.

The Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media admitted that the bill could be submitted to the State Duma as early as the first quarter of 2023.

Formerly Bloomberg reportedthat Apple is preparing to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads and download third-party apps as part of European Union compliance changes coming into effect in 2024. Digital Services and Digital Markets Laws aimed to create a safer digital space that protects fundamental user rights and creates a level playing field for businesses.

Bloomberg, citing sources, wrote that the company’s employees who are engaged in software development are already actively engaged in large-scale work to open key elements of the Apple platform to third-party developers. As part of these innovations, developers will be able to bypass the company’s restrictions, as well as a commission of up to 30% for user payments. Apple may make changes as part of the iOS 17 update next year.