The Push and Pull: How and Why the EU Forced Apple to Open iPhone App Distribution episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 22 MIN

The Push and Pull: How and Why the EU Forced Apple to Open iPhone App Distribution

from Brains Byte Back · host The Sociable

72% of smartphones run Android. Just 28% run iOS.Yet Apple’s App Store generates billions—because for years, it controlled the only path to iPhone users.Until March 2024.The EU’s Digital Markets Act forced Apple to open iOS to alternative app marketplaces, legally shifting the iPhone from a closed console to something closer to an open computer. But the transition came with friction, including a controversial install Core Technology Fee that left many developers questioning what “open” really meant.In this episode, Erick Espinosa sits down with Artur Assanskiy, Chief Product Officer at Onside, to unpack what actually changed, why developers hesitated, and how alternative iOS distribution is evolving in Europe.Find out more about Artur Assanskiy here. Learn more about Onside here.Reach out to today's host, Erick Espinosa - [email protected] the latest on tech news - https://sociable.co/ Leave an iTunes review  - https://rb.gy/ampk26Follow us on your favourite podcast platform - https://link.chtbl.com/rN3x4ecY

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 18, 2026

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The Push and Pull: How and Why the EU Forced Apple to Open iPhone App Distribution

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