On Monday, Apple is set to begin the global rollout of iPadOS 18, bringing with it a noteworthy new feature for European users.
This update will enable users in Europe to download and utilize apps from third-party app stores, a change made possible by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This legislation aims to enhance competition and lessen tech giants’ control over their marketplaces—a mandate Apple initially resisted but is now adhering to. Interestingly, this functionality has been available to Android tablet users for some time, making it a welcome addition for iPad users.
Developers opting to take part in the “Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU” will now have the opportunity to distribute their applications via third-party platforms, while also enjoying a reduced commission rate on sales generated through these alternative routes.
Further enhancing the iPad experience, iPadOS 18 allows users in Europe to select their preferred browser engine, removing Safari as the default within apps. While iPhone users in the EU will also gain access to alternative app stores, this feature won’t be included in the iOS 18 update, which is expected to be rolled out in a future version instead.
While these changes are intended to foster competition, they also mean that European users will miss out on one of Apple’s significant advancements this year: Apple Intelligence. The company has indicated that it will not be launching this feature in the EU for the time being due to privacy concerns associated with the Digital Markets Act.
On Monday, Apple will introduce iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2. However, Apple Intelligence will not be part of this release and is set to be postponed across most platforms until later in the year. Additionally, the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 are available for pre-order, with deliveries expected to start on Friday, September 20. These devices will launch with iOS 16 and watchOS 11, respectively.