Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is concerned that Apple device owners can only download apps from the App Store. She believes that this situation needs to be corrected.
According to Reuters, the antimonopoly regulator stated this in a report published on June 16. It does not explicitly say that it is Apple that should review the policy of its platform. According to the report, “all major mobile operating system vendors should offer users alternative ways to securely receive applications.” However, Apple is the only company that prohibits downloading applications from third—party marketplaces.
The Commission also wants Apple, Google and other owners of popular mobile marketplaces in Japan to allow developers to use third-party payment systems.
According to media reports, a corresponding bill is being prepared in Japan. It will be considered in parliament next year.