EU crackdown on iPad: Apple given 6‑month ultimatum to open up

After further modifications in iPhones, it's now time for iPads to see changes. The European Union is steadily pushing Apple, necessitating several adjustments to the American brand's tablets.

At the start of this year, the European Commission mandated Apple to make pivotal changes to its iOS system. Under new rules, iPhones must now support access to alternative app stores, allow different payment methods, facilitate various browser engines, and permit software installation directly from websites.

It's crucial to note that, until recently, these mandates have only been applied to iOS and designed for iPhones. The iPad operating system for iPads, referred to as iPadOS, was considered a distinct platform, thus requiring the European Commission additional time to evaluate tablet regulations.

The European Union is setting similar mandates for iPads. Apple has received a six-month ultimatum to enact these adjustments. While assessing, the European Commission considered factors like the volume of devices sold and the influence of iPads on the consumer and business sectors. Consequently, officials labeled the iPadOS system a “gatekeeper,” which must adhere to DMA (Digital Markets Act) regulations due to its significant presence.

This means iPads, akin to iPhones before them, must now offer capabilities for using alternative app marketplaces, payment systems other than Apple Pay, and browser engines not limited to WebKit.

This development is a positive shift for individuals owning multiple Apple devices, as inconsistent regulations and the company's initial hesitation towards adopting these new mandates led to incongruous scenarios.

At present, iPhones support the use of alternative app stores while iPads do not; iPhones allow app installations that don't conform to App Store policies while iPads do not; iPhones provide access to more affordable payment methods in games while iPads do not; iPhones enable the installation of internet browsers beyond mere overlays on Safari, unlike iPads.

However, the issue of ecosystem inconsistency will soon be addressed, with Apple required to ensure iPads comply with EU regulations by the end of October. This is unfolding just ahead of the anticipated launch of new iPad models.