<div id="readability-page-1"><p>Apple (AAPL) is now allowing third-party app stores on its iPhones in Japan to comply with new laws that aim to boost competition in the Asian country's smartphone market. Regulators in several countries have been putting pressure on the tech giant to open its iPhones to alternative marketplaces amid antitrust concerns.</p><h3>Claim 50% Off TipRanks Premium and Invest with Confidence </h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge-fund level data  and  powerful investing tools  designed to help you make smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Stay ahead of the market with  the latest news and analysis  so your portfolio is always positioned for maximum potential</li></ul> <h2><strong>Apple Opens iPhone to Alternative App Stores</strong></h2> <p>In its blog, Apple stated that it is introducing changes in its iOS apps in Japan to comply with the country's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA). These updates create new options for developers in Japan to distribute apps on alternative app marketplaces and offer their own in-app payments.</p> <p>Under the new rules, Japanese developers can launch their own app marketplaces on iPhones and pay Apple 5% of sales made through their marketplaces and apps. Also, developers using the App Store will pay a 15% commission on transactions for which they provide links to pay outside their apps. </p> <p>The new rules allow Apple to approve alternative app marketplaces. Also, the new rules require age ratings for apps sold on alternative marketplaces, just as they are required on Apple's App Store. The company will also conduct a basic security check, called notarization, on all apps distributed via alternative marketplaces.</p> <p>Apple said that it has added new safeguards to ensure security and privacy as iOS opens up to more competition. The updates are included in iOS 26.2, which was released on December 12. </p> <h2><strong>Is AAPL Stock a Buy, Hold, or Sell?</strong></h2> <p>Currently, Wall Street has a Moderate Buy consensus rating on Apple stock based on 20 Buys, 10 Holds, and two Sell recommendations. The average AAPL stock price target of $299.49 indicates 9.1% upside potential.</p></div>

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<p>Apple is allowing third-party app stores on iPhones in Japan to comply with new laws aimed at boosting competition. The changes, part of iOS 26.2, enable Japanese developers to create their own marketplaces and offer in-app payments, with Apple taking a 5% commission. The updates include security measures and require age ratings for apps. This move comes amid global regulatory pressure on Apple to open its ecosystem. Wall Street rates Apple stock as a Moderate Buy with a 9.1% upside potential.</p>

- Apple is enabling third-party app stores on iPhones in Japan to align with the Mobile Software Competition Act, enhancing competition in the smartphone market.  
- This change allows Japanese developers to create their own app marketplaces, with Apple taking a 5% commission on sales, while transactions linked to the App Store incur a 15% fee.  
- The update, included in iOS 26.2 released on December 12, also ensures security by requiring age ratings and conducting basic security checks on apps from alternative markets.

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Apple Allows Third-Party App Stores in Japan as Regulators Seek to Boost Competition