Apple has made a historic change to its iOS operating system in Japan due to the Mobile Software Competition Act. With the iOS 26.2 update released on December 12th, the company officially announced that it has opened its operating system to third-party app stores and payment methods. This move makes Japan the first country after the European Union where Apple has opened its strictly regulated ecosystem to alternatives.
Apple Opens iOS Ecosystem to Third-Party Stores in Japan
Users now have the freedom to install alternative app stores such as AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store on their devices. Another notable innovation is on the hardware side; the iPhone’s side button can now be configured to activate popular AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini instead of Siri. Users can also choose their default browser and search engine during device setup.
The new commission structure for developers varies between 5% and 26% depending on how the application is distributed. A 5% Basic Technology Commission is charged for applications using alternative marketplaces. Those using Apple’s own payment system are subject to a 21% base fee plus additional transaction fees. Developers who prefer alternative payment methods or web links benefit from lower commission rates.
The new regulation in Japan differs from the European model in terms of security measures. Japan does not allow applications to be downloaded directly from websites and requires all applications, regardless of their source, to pass Apple’s security approval process. Furthermore, developers are legally required to display Apple’s in-app purchase option alongside their alternative payment options with equal visibility.
The new system also includes much stricter measures for the safety of children. The use of web payment links is completely prohibited in child-category applications, while in other applications, these links are restricted for those under 13. Users under 18 must pass a parental consent screen to use alternative payment methods. On the browser side, Safari and Google’s automatic dominance has ended, and users can choose from a randomly generated list of options such as Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yahoo Japan.
Do you think Apple’s outward expansion policy and third-party store freedom, which it started implementing in Japan, should also be introduced in Turkey?
