Framework set in Japan to force Apple to allow third-party app stores
Antitrust regulators in Japan are continuing the march to bring European App Store regulations into force, and are going to force Apple to open Face ID, Touch ID, and other biometrics to developers.
An Apple Store in Japan - Image credit: Apple
In May, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) put a call out for public comment over proposals affecting big-tech companies, including Apple and Google. On July 29, the regulator said it had refined the rules of the Mobile Software Competition Act, weeks after the comment period closed.
The announcement from the Japan FTC states that the act will go into full effect on December 18, 2025. Until that date, it will be working to prepare to enforce the act, as well as promote it to increase public awareness.
The refinements, spotted by Japan Today, reinforce and focus primarily on rules that would allow third-party app storefronts to exist in the country. This would also include forcing Apple to allow alternative payment platforms to be used with iOS apps.
Apple would also be prevented from favoring its own apps or services within the App Store, as well as allowing users to choose the default apps for their devices. This also extends to the "unjust use of acquired data," in that Apple and Google must not benefit from any collected user data that it would not otherwise supply to third-party developers.
Users must also be allowed to move freely between different apps, stores, and platforms.
Beyond the App Store
As well as dealing with how user data is used and app storefronts, the rules also include elements that affect more of the iPhone than just software. Apple and Google must also provide access to operating system functions, including hardware controlled by those functions.
This does cover quite a few things, and includes speakers, microphones, location measurement functions, and data communication features. More importantly, it also requires access to be granted to biometric authentication features.
The rules basically allow developers to access features like Face ID and Touch ID directly. It is unclear to what degree this access will be offered, but it could allow developers to be granted more control than they currently have.
According to Biometric Update, Apple has opposed the law, insisting that it goes against user privacy and security. It also allegedly forces Apple to provide the technology and services to potential rivals at no charge.
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