EU users will face additional security measures when purchasing products from Apple's App Store, subjecting them to the same hurdles when purchasing products from new rival stores.Fifteen years after the App Store first opened, users in the European Union have one more step before downloading an app. Like any other app, Apple's AppStore now asks for user permission before downloading.
The new permission request is made after the user unlocks the iPhone. Even after the user clicks the AppStore's "Get" button and confirms with FaceID that they want to proceed.
No matter which app is selected, the new security step will say "The App Store wants to install an app." A "Learn More" option will then appear, which seems to explain how to "verify information before installation," but there are no further details yet.
This means that, at least in the EU, the AppStore will work the same as other apps that ask for permission. Apps will first ask for permission when tracking users, but will also ask for permission if they require the use of devices such as microphones.
Therefore, Apple's AppStore has since lost its automatically trusted status. Since this will almost certainly mean that rival app stores will have to take this step as well, Apple may be able to argue that it's not giving its own apps preferential treatment.
Apple is currently testing all of its new EU features in developer beta, but is also battling rivals who say Apple is ignoring European laws.