Apple has updated iOS 17.4 with significant changes for users in the European Union (EU). Now, users in the EU can download apps from stores other than the App Store. Many wonder about the extent of this feature and whether users outside the EU can also do the same. Apple has explained the details.
The workings of the alternative app marketplaces for EU users require the Apple ID to be set to one of the EU countries and the device to be used within the EU region. This process operates at the device level and only sends data back to Apple. No user location data is stored.
For travelers outside the EU, short trips allow the use of alternative app marketplaces for a limited period. However, longer trips result in the loss of certain features like installing new apps, although existing apps can still be used. So far, there are no external stores or alternative app marketplaces available as Apple has yet to announce any platforms, such as Mobivention, MacPaw, or Epic Games.
Source: 9to5Mac
TLDR: Apple’s iOS 17.4 update allows EU users to download apps from sources other than the App Store, with certain limitations for users outside the EU. No external stores or alternative app marketplaces are currently available.
Leave a Comment