Apple has started open its iOS ecosystem Japan has passed legislation to allow third-party app stores to operate on iPhones and other devices, in direct response to new Japanese regulations on digital competition. This move puts the Asian country in a similar position to the European Union, where so-called "alternative app distribution" is already mandated under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
From now on, developers with operations in Japan will be able to create and manage your own app marketplaces within iOS, as well as offering payment methods other than Apple's integrated ones, although in return they will have to comply with new commercial and security conditions. For users in Europe and Spain, the Japanese case becomes a new regulatory laboratory This reinforces a global trend: more competition in app stores and greater scrutiny of big tech companies.
A new Japanese law forces Apple to open iOS
The change is motivated by the Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act The Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), a recently enacted law, aims to prevent digital monopolies on mobile platforms before they become established. The Japan Fair Trade Commission seeks to achieve this through this legislation. limiting Apple and Google's ability to block competitors within their own ecosystems.
Inspired by the European regulation on digital markets and servicesThe MSCA prohibits large platforms from restricting access to alternative app stores or third-party payment systems. As a result, Apple has been forced to redesign parts of how iOS, Safari, and the App Store work in Japan, while Alphabet (Google) has also announced adjustments to its Google Play store and associated services.
With these changes, Japan officially joins the European Union as one of only two regions where Apple allows alternative app stores in its ecosystem. For observers in Spain and the rest of Europe, this regulatory convergence reinforces the idea that the European WFD model is beginning to be exported to other major economies.
Apple has explained that it has worked closely with Japanese regulators to design a framework that, in theory, promote competition without neglecting security and privacy of the users. Even so, the company itself acknowledges that the law opens new avenues for risks such as malwarefraud or exposure to inappropriate content.
Alternative app stores on iOS: how they will work in Japan
To try to contain that scenario, Apple introduces the so-called Mandatory notarization for all iOS appsRegardless of whether they are distributed through the App Store or alternative marketplaces, this system combines automated analysis with basic human review to verify that the apps function as advertised and do not contain malware or known security threats.
The company emphasizes that this Notarization process is less exhaustive than the traditional App Review The App Store applies broader criteria for content, privacy, and security. Even so, it's presented as the minimum required to allow third-party applications onto the system without completely opening the door to malware.
Apple has also published a New developer support page with detailed information on how to operate or distribute from these alternative markets, documentation that is especially relevant for software companies with a presence in both Japan and Europe, where they already deal with a similar regulatory framework.
New payment methods and changes in fees
Another key point of the MSCA is the opening of the payment system within the applicationsUntil now, Apple required most purchases of digital goods and services to be made through its In-App Purchase system, with the corresponding commission. With the new Japanese regulations, developers have more leeway.
In iOS apps distributed through the App Store in Japan, developers will be able to add alternative payment methods or redirect the user to an external website to complete the transaction. These options will always be displayed alongside Apple's In-App Purchase, so it's clear when you're paying through the company's system and when you're not.
When the user chooses to pay with In-App Purchases, they will continue to enjoy the usual App Store protectionsSubscription management from iOS, centralized purchase history, tools for requesting refunds, and the option to report problems with a purchase. However, if the transaction is completed through an external payment processor or on a linked website, Apple warns that It will not be able to process refunds or respond in the same way to fraud or disputes.
The use of alternative methods also implies that the user might have to sharing your payment details with third partiesThis opens a new front of concern regarding privacy and security. This type of scenario is already being seen in Europe following the implementation of the DMA, and Japan is now replicating this model with local variations.
To adapt to this new environment, Apple has updated its Commercial terms for iOS apps in JapanThe stated goal is to reflect the different ways in which the company says it adds value to developers, whether they use the traditional App Store or resort to alternative marketplaces and payment systems.
What are the developer fees in Japan?
Under the new conditions, Apple claims that the Developers who sell digital goods and services in Japan They will pay the company the same or less than before, depending on the distribution model and the type of program they are in. Those who do not sell digital goods or services will continue not to pay commissions.
The main fees are structured in several blocks. In the App Store, the base commission on sales of digital goods and services It is set at 10% for the vast majority of developers (including those enrolled in the Small Business Program, the Video Partner Program, the Mini Apps Program, and subscriptions after the first year). For all other cases, the commission rises to 21%.
This store commission can be supplemented by a additional 5% fee for payment processing When using Apple's In-App Purchases. That is, developers who choose Apple's integrated payment system assume an extra cost, in exchange for the tools and protections they already know.
For transactions made in websites linked from within the app Distributed on the App Store, Apple will apply a "store services fee" of 15% on sales of digital goods and services, with a reduced rate of 10% for developers under special programs and for older subscriptions.
In the case of iOS apps distributed outside the App Store, the company introduces a Basic Technology Commission of 5% Regarding sales of digital goods and services, including paid apps, this concept is presented as a way to compensate for the use of Apple's tools, technologies, and services (such as the operating system itself, APIs, and development kits) even when distribution does not go through the official store.
Impact on child safety and protection measures
One of the most sensitive points regarding the opening of iOS is the potential impact on the online safety of children and adolescentsApple points out that it designed the App Store to be a relatively safe environment for children, with parental controls, age ratings, and content filters to limit access to inappropriate material.
With the arrival of alternative stores and external payment methodsThe company warns that minors could be more exposed to apps with illicit or objectionable content, as well as to fraud and scams specifically targeting them. Apple cites as precedent what has happened in Europe, where similar regulatory changes have allowed access to types of apps that were not previously available on iOS, including some with pornographic content.
To mitigate this scenario, Apple has agreed with Japanese regulators on a set of safeguards. For example, Apps in the Kids category on the App Store will not be allowed to include links to websites to complete purchases, in order to reduce the risk of minors being directed to less controlled environments and potentially falling victim to fraud.
Furthermore, in the case of users under 18 years of ageAll apps that use alternative payment processing or redirect to a website to complete a transaction must include a "parental gate." This mechanism requires minors to involve their parents or guardians before finalizing a purchase, adding an extra layer of control.
The restriction is even harsher for children under 13 yearsApp Store apps targeting this age group will no longer be allowed to link to external websites for payments. Apple is also working on a new API to allow developers using alternative payment systems to enable parents to authorize payments. monitor and approve purchases made outside of Apple In-App Purchase.
Regardless of the distribution channel (App Store or third-party stores), developers will have to follow providing age ratings for their appsThis will allow for the maintenance of at least a common basic standard across the ecosystem. The company also notes that it will continue developing family-oriented tools, such as Child Accounts, web content filters, Screen Time, Family Sharing, and Safety and Communication Limits features.
Other changes in iOS and Safari: choice of browser and search engines
Beyond app stores and payments, the MSCA also mandates adjustments to other key system components. With the launch of iOS 26.2 in JapanApple adds a browser selection screen and search engine choice experience, similar to those already seen in some European countries due to regulatory requirements.
When users start their devices or after the update, they will be able to choose which browser and search engine you want to use by defaultwithout Safari and Apple services having an automatic advantage. Default controls for browsing apps and app stores are also included, which can be modified from the system settings at any time. This option makes it easier use by default your preferred browser or search engine.
For developers, Apple opens the door to new technical possibilities. From now on, browser applications will be able to use rendering engines other than WebKitprovided they meet strict security and privacy requirements. This represents a significant change, as iOS previously required all browsers to be based on WebKit, even if they were presented to the user as alternatives to Safari.
The company also introduces a New API for voice-based conversational applicationsThis will allow users to launch these types of apps using the iPhone's side button. Additionally, a process is being enabled for developers to request interoperability with core iOS and iPhone technologies.
Apple claims to have made it available to the developer community Detailed documentation and resources to understand and take advantage of these possibilities, which is especially useful for European and Spanish companies with internationally distributed products, who can now design more homogeneous experiences between the EU and Japan.
Google is also adapting and the European model is being consolidated
The impact of the new Japanese law is not limited to Apple. Alphabet, Google's parent company, has also announced changes to its Google Play store and its payment systems To comply with regulations, the company emphasizes that Android already allowed the use of third-party app stores, but it will still need to introduce selection screens and additional settings, especially regarding payment methods and search engines.
Both Apple and Google have incorporated selection screens for users to define their default search engine and have committed to allowing payment methods other than Apple Pay and Google Pay in certain contexts. The Fair Trade Commission of Japan thus intends to reduce the bargaining power of large platforms and facilitate the entry of new competitors and digital services.
From a European perspective, this move reinforces the idea that the EU's regulatory approach, with regulations such as the WFD and DSA, is becoming a international benchmark for managing the power of Big TechThe agreement on aspects such as the opening of app stores, the freedom to choose browsers and search engines, or the flexibility of payment systems points towards a certain global harmonization.
For users and developers in Spain, the situation in Japan offers a a useful reference for anticipating how these standards might evolve in other markets. If more countries follow this path, major platforms will likely have to adopt a more modular and open design for their ecosystems, which could translate into more options, but also a greater need to be vigilant about security and privacy issues.
Apple's shift in Japan, driven by the MSCA and in line with European rules, illustrates the extent to which the company is having to adapt its App Store and iOS model to a more demanding regulatory environment. Between the opening to third-party app stores, new payment methods, changes to fees, and safeguards for minorsThe iPhone ecosystem is entering a new phase in which competition is increasing, but the balance between flexibility and security for users and developers is also becoming more complicated.