Apple Makes Key Changes to iOS Apps in Japan – What’s New?

Japan is making major changes in both its financial and technological space which are now affecting Apple. The tech giant is now making some key changes to its iOS apps in the country as part of a compliance move.

The company mentioned in a press release on December 17th that the changes impacting iOS apps in Japan should comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). Which was released earlier this year.

As part of the changes, developers now have new options for distributing apps on alternative app marketplaces and payment processes outside of Apple In-App Purchase. iOS users will also have higher privacy and reduced security risk resulting from the MSCA demands.

Protecting Users and Giving Developers Freedom

The MSCA is a set of laws and guidelines that seek to bring fairness in the app ecosystems. Thus ensuring a competitive space for developers and payment platforms by removing the monopoly that app stores have enjoyed for long. While the law provides some succor to developers and app users, Apple says it also exposes them to privacy issues and risks.

According to the company, such openness to alternative marketplaces and payment options also allows for malware, fraud and scams targeted at users. In response, the new updates will implement safeguards to protect users from such arising concerns. The press release further stated:

“Apple has worked with Japanese regulators to introduce protections from new threats — including important safeguards for younger users. These protections include Notarization for iOS apps, an authorization process for app marketplaces, and requirements that help protect children from inappropriate content and scams.”

Apple says such safeguards will ensure that it remains the best, most secure mobile platform available in Japan. Even if it doesn’t eliminate the threats completely. Similarly, Google has made similar changes in response to the MSCA. Google changes include alternative search engines apart from Google, alternative in-app billing options, and the option of buying digital content outside Google Play.

Fighting Apple and Google’s Dominance

Apple and Google are top players in the mobile app space. Both companies have been accused of monopolizing the iOS and Android app space respectively, which led to action from the government. The U.S. last year filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, which was later joined by Japan.

The fight was later extended to Apple, culminating in the MSCA regulation. With this coming into force, Apple and Google will effectively lose the firm control they had on apps in Apple Store and Google Play Store. However, the long-term consequences remain unknown.

More Must-Reads:

• EU to get Apple’s Live Translation on Airpods Next Month
• Apple Launches Web Version of App Store with a Big Catch
• ‘Not worth it: Users kick as Apple greenlights ads in Maps app