Experience the efficiency of CleanMyPhone by MacPaw, an innovative AI-powered cleaning application that swiftly identifies and eliminates blurred images, screenshots, and other unnecessary clutter from your device. Start your free trial and download now.

iOS 17.4 introduces Apple’s inaugural operating system update that aligns with the regulatory standards of the Digital Markets Act within the European Union. This significant update includes the provision for alternative app stores, referred to by Apple as ‘alternative app marketplaces,’ enabling iPhone users to access apps beyond the confines of the Apple App Store for the first time.

It is important to note that this new functionality is exclusively available within the EU region, and Apple has outlined its method for detecting user eligibility. Surprisingly, existing app marketplaces downloaded on your device will cease to function if you remain outside the EU for an extended period.

Apple has elaborated in a support document that access to app marketplaces is restricted to European Union customers only.

For eligibility, your Apple ID must be associated with one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Countries Eligible for iOS 17.4 Alternative App Marketplaces

Furthermore, physical presence within the European Union is a prerequisite. The geolocation check is performed on the device itself, with no transmission of your exact location to Apple’s servers.

As long as your Apple ID is linked to one of the specified countries and you are physically located there, you can access the app marketplace features. Once available, you can install an alternative app store via your browser to download apps not found in the Apple App Store.

However, it is essential to be aware that your eligibility may be revoked if any location changes are detected. Apple allows a short ‘grace period’ for temporary travel, but extended stays outside of an eligible EU market will result in the loss of access to app marketplaces. (Update: Apple has confirmed that this grace period is set at 30 days.)

During this period, you will be unable to install new app marketplaces, and previously installed apps from alternative sources will be unable to update. To regain access, you must return to an eligible location or switch to apps from the Apple App Store.

This potential issue with customer support underscores why many third-party developers may hesitate to adopt the third-party app store system. As of now, no alternative app marketplace is operational, despite several announcements.

It is important to note that these regulations only apply to iPhone users, as iPadOS 17.4 does not offer similar support, given that the iOS App Store is considered a significant ‘gatekeeper’ under EU law.