Apple's ecosystem is now gradually opening itself up to third-party app stores, as Japan becomes the latest jurisdiction to win the alternative app store concession for its citizens.

Apple's iOS 26.2 beta 1 let's Japanese iPhone and iPad users install third-party app stores

After facing a concerted legal push in various jurisdictions, Apple has started to loosen its chokehold over its app ecosystem. As a case in point, Apple was recently compelled by a US court in the Epic case to allow access to external payment methods , and to enable the return of Epic's Fortnite app .

Meanwhile, in the EU, Apple allows users to install third-party app stores on their devices, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act. This situation has created a legal precedent, where consumers in o

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