Apple is making changes to iOS in Japan to comply with the country’s new competition law, marking a notable shift in the company’s traditionally closed ecosystem. This move offers developers and users in Japan greater choice in app distribution and payment methods. It signifies the increasing global pressure on major tech companies to create a more open and competitive mobile environment.
These adjustments, which are now live with iOS 26.2 in Japan, directly respond to the Mobile Software Competition Act. This legislation is designed to promote a fairer landscape for smaller developers and give users more control over their mobile experiences.
The primary aim of the Act is to reduce barriers within the mobile software market. For a long time, developers have expressed concerns about Apple’s strict rules regarding payments, app distribution, and default software choices. The new law seeks to alleviate these concerns by compelling Apple to relax its controls, thereby encouraging a more competitive atmosphere.
Rather than completely dismantling its App Store, Apple is implementing a system of “enabling alternatives.” This approach allows developers in Japan to access new options without completely abandoning Apple’s existing infrastructure.
One of the most significant changes concerns payment options. Japanese developers now have three choices: continue using Apple’s in-app purchase system, integrate a third-party payment provider directly into their app, or redirect users to an external website to complete transactions. This newfound flexibility can significantly impact developers’ profitability by potentially allowing them to avoid Apple’s commission fees.
Furthermore, app distribution is also being transformed. Developers are gaining increased autonomy in how they distribute their apps through alternative marketplaces, reducing their dependence on the App Store. Apple is introducing new business terms that include variable commission rates based on the payment and distribution methods chosen by developers.
Users in Japan will also experience changes, primarily with the ability to select their preferred browser and search engine on iOS devices. This aligns with the Act’s emphasis on consumer choice. However, Apple has expressed concerns about potential security risks associated with these changes.
Apple has cautioned that opening the platform could increase the risk of exposure to malware, fraud, and scams. To mitigate these risks, Apple is implementing a “notarization system” for all iOS apps in Japan. This system combines automated checks with human review to assess basic functionality and identify potential security threats.
It is important to note that this notarization process is less stringent than the full App Store review. Apple has also collaborated with regulators to implement safeguards for children, including limiting external website links for users under 13.
Japan is not the only region scrutinizing Apple’s practices. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has already compelled Apple to make similar concessions. This has led to concerns over user safety, privacy, and the future of the App Store, a business that generates billions of dollars annually.
Apple maintains that it has no plans to extend the Japan-specific changes to other countries, arguing that its current systems provide robust protections and opportunities for developers. The company also views Japan’s regulatory approach as more balanced than that of the EU.
The iOS updates in Japan coincide with the beta release of iOS 26.3. This version introduces features tied to regulatory demands, including tools for transferring data from an iPhone to an Android device and forwarding notifications to third-party watches. These changes, while seemingly small, underscore a broader trend: the slow but steady erosion of Apple’s control, driven by global regulatory pressure and the relentless pursuit of a more open and competitive mobile landscape.
