How Apple Limits App Store Updates for iPhones Traveling Outside EU

Apple’s New Policy: Losing Access to Third-Party App Store Updates When Traveling Outside the EU

Apple has recently announced a new policy that could affect users who frequently travel outside the European Union (EU). According to the updated guidelines, if you leave the EU for more than 30 days, your iPhone will no longer receive software updates for apps installed through third-party app stores.

Photo by Allison Johnson / The Zero Byte

30-Day Grace Period for Travelers

While Apple had previously stated that users would “lose access to some features” when leaving the EU “for short-term travel,” they have now clarified the policy by introducing a 30-day grace period. This means that if you travel outside the EU for more than a month, your iPhone will stop receiving updates for apps installed via third-party app stores, which could be inconvenient for frequent travelers.

Third-Party App Stores and the Digital Markets Act

It’s important to note that this policy change does not affect your ability to use alternative app marketplaces. You can still use third-party stores to manage apps you’ve already installed. Several developers are preparing to launch their own app stores, such as the “Spotify App Store.” However, Epic Games may face challenges in launching their planned game store, as Apple has reportedly “rejected their application” due to being “‘verifiably untrustworthy.”

iOS 17.4 and Alternative App Marketplaces in the EU

To reflect the Digital Markets Act’s changes, users in the European Union are able to install alternative app marketplaces and install apps offered through alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4 or later. The country or region of your Apple ID must be set to one of the countries or regions of the European Union, and you must physically be located in the European Union.

Apple emphasizes that they do not collect your device’s location to preserve your privacy. Instead, they use on-device processing to determine your eligibility for alternative app marketplaces, sending only an indicator of eligibility to Apple.

Using Apps from Alternative App Marketplaces When Traveling

If you leave the EU, you can still open and use apps that you previously installed from alternative app marketplaces. These marketplaces can continue updating those apps for up to 30 days after you leave the EU, and you can still use them to manage previously installed apps. However, to install new alternative app marketplaces or apps from these marketplaces, you must be physically present in the EU.