After Europe, it's Japan's turn to demand that Apple allow the installation of third-party apps.

While Apple has not disclosed how they will do this yet, regulators worldwide are considering similar requirements for the company, and Japan could be the next country to do so.

According to a report on Nikkei Asia, Japanese regulators are preparing anti-monopoly legislation, requiring major companies like Apple and Google to allow users to download and install apps from third-party stores. In other words, Japan will force Apple to allow sideloading on iOS.

The law is expected to be submitted to the parliament next year and will focus on four areas: app stores and payments, search, browsers, and operating systems. If approved, Japan's Fair Trade Commission will be able to fine companies that violate the new law. Detailed information is expected to be disclosed in spring 2024.

In 2020, the Japanese government initiated investigations into Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook over antitrust concerns. That same year, many Japanese developers expressed dissatisfaction with the App Store's business model. By 2023, Japan's regulatory agency had completed its study and concluded that the mobile app market was dominated by Apple and Google.

According to local authorities, the new law will allow Japanese companies to have their own app stores on platforms like iOS and Android. It will also permit developers to choose payment systems from local fintech companies with lower fees.