🇯🇵 Japan passes law requiring Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS

📰 Japan's Fair Trade Commission published a 119-page guide to the Mobile Software Competition Law, which will go into effect on December 18.

🅰️ Under its provision, Apple will have to allow third-party app stores and third-party payment systems in apps available either in their own app stores or in third-party app stores on all iPhones sold in Japan. Basically, the law is a complete copy of the draft DMA law in the EU, which is even referenced in the document.

👨‍💻 Apple also has to create a firewall that will prevent their own teams from accessing and using sensitive developer data when creating competing products, and they'll also have to submit annual compliance reports. Time has been given for implementation no later than January 18, 2026.

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