In a significant development, new European Union (EU) laws have demanded that Apple open its App Store in Europe, allowing users to download apps from sources outside of the App Store. While details regarding the process, known as sideloading, have not yet been disclosed by the company, recent reports suggest that Apple may still enforce its fees and app review guidelines, even for downloads outside of its storefront.

According to the reports, Apple plans to collect fees from developers who offer downloads outside of the App Store and will require some form of review for these alternative downloads. Sideloading would be exclusive to iOS users within the European Union in order to comply with the bloc's Digital Markets Act, set to come into effect on March 7.

Although Apple's plan to implement these changes has not been finalized, it aligns with a recent modification made to its US App Store policies. Last week, Apple officially permitted US developers to enable in-app purchases that bypass the App Store's billing system. Nevertheless, developers are still obligated to pay a substantial 27 percent commission on purchases made outside of the App Store, and Apple will have the right to audit developers' records for compliance. This ruling has led to criticism from Epic Games, Spotify, and other developers who have long expressed discontent with the App Store's stringent regulations and fees.

The new EU regulations have also prompted preparations from companies that have clashed with Apple over its rules in the past. Spotify, a staunch critic of the App Store's commission, recently shared a preview of its European version of the app, highlighting the integration of subscription and audiobook payments. Additionally, Facebook is reportedly working on its own project, internally known as "Project Neon," which aims to distribute developers' apps through Facebook ads, allowing the social media giant to compete more directly with the App Store, particularly within Europe.

As the implementation of the EU's Digital Markets Act nears, Apple will need to navigate the complexities of conforming to the new laws while addressing concerns from both developers and users. The outcome of Apple's approach to sideloading and fees for alternate downloads remains uncertain, as does the potential backlash it could face from app makers. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the tech giant's grip on its App Store ecosystem in Europe.