Unfortunately: no alternative App Stores on the iPad – here’s why

Major changes are coming for the iPhone, but on the iPad we have to do without alternative App Stores (for the time being). This is why.

Apple is coming with big changes

Apple announced big changes for the iPhone last week. From iOS 17.4 it will be possible to install apps without the App Store, Apple will finally allow alternative online stores. You can then choose whether you use Apple’s App Store itself or opt for an external provider. A big change, but it does not appear that the iPad will get an alternative App Store.

Also read: iOS 17.4 beta 1 is out: with many new features (here they are)

This has to do with European legislation, which obliges Apple to make changes to iOS. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the EU must ensure that Apple has less power. This means that alternative App Stores and new payment methods will be added to the iPhone, but not all functions will come to the iPad. We explain why iPadOS has to do without the features.

Unfortunately: no alternative App Stores on the iPad – here’s why

DMA only applies to the iPhone

The European Commission has determined that iOS is one of the platforms that must comply with the DMA. That’s exactly why Apple is only making the changes on the iPhone, because that’s the only device that runs on iOS. The iPad runs on iPadOS and therefore does not have alternative App Stores. Apple states that iPadOS is a completely different platform than iOS. This means you still cannot install apps like WhatsApp on the iPad via a detour.

Other features only coming to the iPhone include using third-party browsers, setting up a new browser, and adding alternative payment methods. From iOS 17.4, the NFC chip on the iPhone has been opened to third parties, so you no longer have to pay via Apple Pay. You will soon be able to pay in more ways in the App Store on the iPad due to the new European law.

iPadOS 17

The App Store will be different on the iPad

So there will be no alternative App Stores on the iPad, but you will get additional payment methods. This means you will soon no longer have to buy an app via Apple Pay. Another important change is that the App Store will be opened to external games. This means that services like Xbox Cloud Gaming are finally coming to the iPad. This change is mandatory for all App Stores, including the iPhone and Apple TV.

Also read: ‘iOS 18 will be the biggest update ever for the iPhone’

Due to the new legislation of the European Union, it is possible to install alternative App Stores on your iPhone from iOS 17.4. For the iPad, the smaller changes in the App Store will be implemented in iPadOS 17.4. We don’t have to wait long for the update, because the European law comes into effect on March 6. Apple must release the new updates before then. Read here which changes will be implemented on your iPhone.

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