Currently, Apple is still testing the iOS17.4 development version. The latest version launched for developers is the iOS17.4DP4 version. In this version, Apple continues to improve some things to meet the EU's Digital Market Act. The latest improvement is that if the user installs and searches for an application through certain shortcut functions, Apple will pop up the App Store prompt interface, prompting the user to download and install it through the AppStore.

For example, if an EU user searches for Splice through the drop-down Spotlight, Apple will pop up "AppStore wants to install this App, verify information before installation."

Image source: Left image from @ISWUpdates, right image from @Freezenix

There are currently no alternative stores to choose from. Apple's testing of this interface should be to prepare for alternative stores in the future. After all, if any search installation uses the AppStore by default, it may cause some antitrust issues. A prompt interface will pop up to explain to users. Users can also choose to install through other alternative stores, so that Apple can avoid some concerns of the EU.

There will be alternative stores in the future. Perhaps when users search and install, Apple will pop up a selection interface when they use it for the first time, allowing users to specify the AppStore or an alternative store as the first choice for searching, downloading and installing.