Japan passes law to enforce allowing third-party app stores on smartphones

The Japanese government passes a law banning tech giants from banning third-party app stores from their platforms. Companies such as Apple and Google must allow alternative app stores under this law. The law should come into force by the end of 2025.

The new law has agreements with the European Digital Markets Act. For example, the law enforces the allowance of third-party app stores, but also the allowance of alternative payment methods. It should also become easier for users to customize the default apps and browser of their smartphone.

The Japanese Fair Trade Commission designates so-called 'designated providers'; these companies must comply with the law. So far, Apple and Google have been designated, it notes The Verge on. Companies that do not comply with the law risk a fine of 20 percent of turnover achieved in Japan.

Epic Games promises in one message on social media that Fortnite will be released in Japan via its own app store at the end of 2025. The company sued Apple in 2020 for excessive commissions and a monopolistic attitude with the app store for iOS. The lawsuit sparked an outcry from various companies and governments about the power of app stores and associated mobile ecosystems.

A big win for mobile gamers and developers: the Japanese government and the Diet have passed a new law to open up mobile app stores!

The Epic Games Store & Fortnite will be coming to iOS in Japan in late 2025 🥳

—Fortnite (@FortniteGame) June 12, 2024