TL;DR
In response to Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act, Apple and Google have adjusted their mobile platform policies to permit third-party app stores and alternative payment options for Japanese users. Both companies expressed reservations about security and urged careful implementation while rolling out technical and policy changes.
What happened
Last week, Apple and Google moved to let developers distribute mobile apps via third-party marketplaces in Japan and to accept payments through alternative providers, complying with requirements of the country’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). Apple warned the law creates new vectors for malware, fraud and privacy risks, but implemented measures it says will mitigate harm, including an iOS app notarization process, authorization requirements for app marketplaces, and protections aimed at reducing children’s exposure to inappropriate content and scams. Apple also lowered App Store commissions to 10 percent for the majority of developers. Google likewise urged regulators to engage constructively and enforce carefully, and introduced choice screens for browser and search defaults for Japanese users. Google also now allows in-app purchases to be completed using non-Google payment services and offers developers a side-by-side option between Google Play Billing and purchases completed on developer websites.
Why it matters
- Developers in Japan can now distribute apps and accept payments outside Apple’s App Store and Google Play, potentially changing distribution options and business models.
- Apple and Google both framed the change as a regulatory compliance step they undertook reluctantly, highlighting tensions between platform control and competition rules.
- Apple introduced technical and policy safeguards and cut its majority commission to 10 percent, which could affect developer revenue splits in Japan.
- Google’s policy updates include choice screens and alternative billing flows, altering how defaults and in-app payments are presented to users.
Key facts
- The shifts were made in response to Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA).
- Apple cautioned that the MSCA’s requirements could open new avenues for malware, fraud, scams and privacy and security risks.
- Apple said it has introduced iOS app notarization, an authorization process for third-party marketplaces, and measures intended to protect children from inappropriate content and scams.
- Apple reduced App Store commissions to 10 percent for the vast majority of developers.
- Google called for constructive regulatory engagement and careful enforcement as the new rules are implemented.
- Google now shows Japanese users choice screens for selecting a browser and search provider.
- Google allows in-app purchases using payment services other than Google Play Billing and gives developers a side-by-side choice between Google Play Billing and completing purchases on the developer’s website.
- The companies’ changes were described in the source as reluctant or made 'through gritted teeth.'
What to watch next
- How Japan plans to enforce the MSCA and authorize third-party marketplaces as rollout continues — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the new notarization and authorization measures effectively prevent malware, fraud and privacy harms Apple warned about — not confirmed in the source.
- Developer uptake of third-party stores and alternative payment providers in Japan, and how that affects revenue and distribution strategies — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA): A Japanese law aimed at increasing competition in mobile app distribution and payment options, prompting platform policy changes by Apple and Google.
- Notarization (iOS apps): An authorization or verification process intended to check apps and app marketplaces for compliance and reduce the risk of malicious software.
- App Store commission: A fee percentage that platform operators charge developers on revenue from app sales or in-app purchases.
- Side-by-side purchase choice: A developer-facing option that presents users with both the platform’s billing method and an alternative purchase path on the developer’s website.
Reader FAQ
Why did Apple and Google change their app store and payment rules in Japan?
They adjusted policies to comply with Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA).
Did Apple make any other changes beyond allowing third-party stores?
Yes. Apple introduced iOS app notarization and authorization requirements for marketplaces, added child-protection measures, and reduced App Store commissions to 10 percent for most developers.
Will these changes make users safer?
Apple warned the law could increase security and privacy risks and has implemented mitigation measures, but whether those measures will fully prevent harms is not confirmed in the source.
Do these changes apply outside Japan?
not confirmed in the source
PUBLIC SECTOR 9 Through gritted teeth, Apple and Google allow alternative app stores in Japan PLUS: Debian supports Chinese chips ; Hong Kong’s Christmas Karaoke crackdown; Asahi admits it should…
Sources
- Through gritted teeth, Apple and Google allow alternative app stores in Japan
- Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan
- Apple and Google allow alternative app stores in Japan
- Apple opens up its App Store to competition in Japan
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