The ongoing debate surrounding Apple’s App Store changes in the European Union has taken a new turn as Elon Musk, the owner of various companies including Tesla and SpaceX, expressed deep concerns. This discussion precedes the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in March, with significant players like Spotify CEO Daniel Ek also sharing critical views on Apple’s proposed alterations.
In response to Daniel Ek’s criticism on X, Musk echoed the sentiments, simply stating, “Very concerning.” Despite the concise expression, Musk refrained from providing further details on the specific aspects of concern. This tweet, however, adds Musk’s influential voice to the growing chorus of skepticism surrounding Apple’s plans.
Apple recently unveiled its plans to implement changes in iOS, Safari, and the App Store within the EU to comply with the upcoming DMA regulations. One notable development is the decision to allow third-party app stores on iOS devices, a significant shift from Apple’s traditional closed ecosystem. These changes are expected to be rolled out alongside the introduction of iOS 17.4 next month.
About Elon Musk Raises Concerns:
While the allowance of third-party app stores marks a notable step towards a more open ecosystem, the introduction of a new App Store tax has become a contentious issue. Elon Musk, back in August, publicly announced his intention to engage with Apple CEO Tim Cook to negotiate a reduction in the App Store Tax, underlining the growing tension between tech giants over revenue-sharing policies.
As the debate over Apple’s App Store changes in the EU continues, the involvement of influential figures like Elon Musk adds complexity to the narrative. The concerns raised by Musk and others highlight the intricate balance between fostering competition and maintaining control over digital marketplaces. With the DMA set to come into effect in March, the tech industry awaits further developments and potential negotiations between key players in this evolving landscape.