Apple and Google Under Pressure from Japan: New Rules for iOS and Android Stores

Japanese regulators have officially enacted new competition legislation targeting the mobile software ecosystem, compelling tech giants Apple and Google to overhaul the operational frameworks of their respective digital marketplaces, the App Store and Google Play.

Designated as “specified providers,” Apple and Google are the primary entities subject to these stringent new mandates. As reported by PocketGamer, this regulatory shift requires the platforms to permit third-party app stores, authorize alternative payment gateways, allow for external promotional incentives, and facilitate direct linking to outside billing systems.

Under the new law, these companies—and any future entities added to the registry—are strictly prohibited from granting preferential treatment to their own proprietary applications. They are further obligated to ensure equitable access to critical APIs and hardware functionalities while maintaining a high standard of operational transparency.

These sweeping measures are expected to fundamentally disrupt the mobile distribution landscape. Developers will soon have the autonomy to distribute software outside the traditional App Store and Google Play silos, allowing them to establish independent pricing structures and engage directly with their audience without the mediation of device manufacturers.

Source: iXBT.games