Apple can get ahead of it and start to allow installation of third-party stores on iPhones and iPads before European legislation requires even sideloading. The information was released by more than one source this Wednesday.

If the change takes effect, iOS users should gain the same level of freedom as Android users. That is, it will be possible to download applications from outside the App Store and install them manually.

Apple’s change in positioning also means that its app store will lose revenue, as it charges fees of 15% to 30% of sales made in its ecosystem.

Initially, Apple intends to release third-party stores only in Europe.

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires companies to open up their ecosystem to other companies and third-party solutions. In Apple’s case, the impact is considerable, as it will need to enable third-party stores and competing apps for solutions like FaceTime and Siri.

Analysts heard by Bloomberg claim that Apple developers are already working on the change and that it can be applied from iOS 17 in 2023. That is, before the deadline required by the European Union.

There is a danger that Apple’s proposed changes could affect developers’ work on new features for iOS 17, but the company prefers not to run into trouble with regulators. This is because the fine in case of non-compliance can reach US$ 80 billion.

Apple is also working on measures to protect users from installing malicious apps, and the company still intends to give third parties access to certain hardware features.

The sources cite that these apps will soon be able to use NFC for payments and other camera technologies, but the biggest problem remains the messaging app. That’s because iMessage doesn’t adopt the RCS format, something third parties may start offering on iOS.

For now, Apple has not commented.