Will the EU’s Pressure on Apple Benefit Scarlet iOS Users?

You may have heard about the ongoing clash between the European Union (EU) and Apple. This conflict revolves around several regulatory and business practices, including App Store policies, privacy regulations, tax practices, and the Digital Markets Act.

One of the most significant updates for Scarlet iOS users is the EU’s demand for Apple to allow third-party app stores on its devices. If these demands are implemented, users will no longer face the typical challenges associated with third-party app installations or sideloading.

After reviewing the recent EU-Apple clash, I felt it was essential to share a detailed post on how these changes could simplify things and bring valuable benefits for Scarlet iOS users.

EU’s Pressure on Apple: Context and Reasons

App Store Monopoly
Apple is known for being extremely strict about the security and privacy of its devices. The company generally prohibits app installations from sources other than its official App Store. However, the European Union views these practices as monopolistic, arguing that Apple primarily promotes its own platform. This approach limits developers from exploring alternative app stores.

Third-Party App Stores: EU’s Demand
The EU has suggested that iPhone and iPad users should be allowed to install apps from third-party app stores. This move aims to simplify the app distribution process for developers, reducing their reliance on Apple’s App Store.

Sideloading: EU’s Suggestion
The EU has also urged Apple to allow users to sideload apps on their devices. Currently, sideloading is only possible through developer mode or jailbreaking, which are complicated and less secure methods. If Apple officially allows sideloading, it could make the process both safer and more user-friendly. However, if you want to try sideloading through Windows, scarletapps.com also covers a complete guide on it.

Digital Markets Act (DMA)
The primary goal of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is to ensure that digital markets remain fair and competitive. It targets monopolistic practices by major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon. The DMA aims to promote competition, giving smaller businesses a fair chance to grow while providing end users with better choices and services.

Possible Reforms Due to EU’s Actions

Apple has announced some changes to its operating system in response to the EU’s regulations and pressure. However, these changes will only apply to users in the EU.

Sideloading and Third-Party App Stores
In the recently released iOS 18.3 beta version, Apple introduced a feature for some EU users that allows them to download and install apps from third-party app stores. While this feature is not yet fully functional, the upcoming stable iOS 18.4 update, expected in March 2025, will make sideloading and installing third-party apps easier.

Default Apps Customization
Currently, Apple does not allow users to customize default apps on their devices. For example, Safari is locked as the default browser, and Apple Mail is the default email client. However, with these upcoming changes, users will be able to set third-party apps like Google Chrome or Gmail as defaults. This update will not only improve the user experience but also give other companies opportunities to grow within Apple’s ecosystem.

Alternative Payment Gateways on iOS
Apple’s in-app payment system requires developers to pay a commission of 15% to 30% on every transaction. This monopoly leaves no room for alternative payment gateways and reduces developers’ earnings.

Upcoming changes under the DMA will change this. Developers and users will soon have the freedom to choose alternative payment methods like Stripe, PayPal, or Google Pay. This shift promises to create a fairer and more competitive ecosystem for everyone.

Benefits for Scarlet iOS Users

The changes Apple is making under EU pressure will significantly benefit Scarlet iOS users. Currently, installing Scarlet directly on iPhones and iPads is challenging. Methods like using custom certificates or a Windows PC are complex and unreliable, as Apple often revoked certificates.

After these updates, installing Scarlet iOS on your iPhone or iPad will be much easier, without the any issue of certificate revocation like Esign. However, always download Scarlet and IPA files from trusted and verified sources for security reasons.

It’s important to note that these benefits will only apply to EU users, as the changes are region-specific.

Challenges and Concerns

Compromise on Security and Privacy
While these changes offer many benefits, they also raise significant concerns about security and privacy. There is a risk that Apple’s robust security standards could be compromised.

Sideloading and Malware Risks
The ease of sideloading apps increases the risk of malware and viruses. Downloading apps from unverified sources, including modded versions, could expose users to malicious software.

Apple’s Potential Resistance and Delays
Although Apple has assured users that these changes will be implemented, resistance or delays are still possible. The company may try to resist the EU’s demands or delay rolling out these updates

Conclusion:

The EU’s demands are pushing Apple to make changes that could redefine how its ecosystem works. For Scarlet iOS users, these updates will make app installations much easier and open up new opportunities to customize and enhance their devices. However, the flip side is that these changes also come with concerns about security and potential risks, like malware from unverified sources.

It’s clear that these updates will benefit EU users first, while the rest of the world might have to wait and see if similar changes follow elsewhere. For now, Scarlet iOS users in the EU can look forward to a simpler and more flexible experience once Apple fully implements these updates.