Apple allows external app installations, opening doors for NFTs on iOS

Apple has announced plans to allow users of its iPhones and iPads to install apps from external sources, a move that is being seen as a response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act. The change, which could make it easier to spend cryptocurrency through apps on iOS devices, will initially be rolled out in Europe, with the possibility of being expanded to other territories depending on whether those countries adopt similar regulations.

The reported shift comes amid growing pushback against Apple's closed ecosystem, which has led to restrictions around the ways that apps can utilise non-fungible token (NFT) assets. NFT purchases are also subject to Apple's 30% fee, a rule that has caused havoc with existing iOS apps. The new policy could benefit NFT and crypto apps that are currently limited or hobbled by App Store requirements, allowing them to be installed via external sources and not be reliant on Apple's strict policies.

According to Bloomberg, Apple may institute additional "security requirements" for outside apps, but details of what these might entail are not yet known. The move could also benefit the growing Web3 metaverse, which has been hampered by Apple's restrictions on the use of NFTs and other blockchain-based technologies.

Apple is said to be aiming to launch the feature in its iOS 17 software update, though no specific release date has been announced. The company is also reportedly weighing whether to allow third-party apps to use their own payments infrastructure, a move that would give users more flexibility and choice in how they pay for goods and services within apps.

The shift towards allowing external app installations marks a significant change for Apple, which has long been known for its tightly-controlled ecosystem. The move is seen as a response to growing pressure from regulators and users who have criticised the company's restrictive policies and high fees. By opening up its platform to external app sources, Apple could potentially expand its user base and gain a competitive advantage over other mobile operating systems.

The news has been welcomed by developers and users alike, who have long called for greater flexibility and choice within the iOS ecosystem. It remains to be seen how the changes will be implemented and whether they will be expanded to other territories, but the announcement is seen as a positive step towards a more open and accessible app ecosystem on the iPhone and iPad.