The law takes aim at digital “gatekeepers,” or larger companies that control or influence access to online services, “thereby exercising control over entire ecosystems.” Legislators hope that by enforcing device neutrality and limiting self-preferencing, the Digital Markets Act—which businesses are required to comply with by 2024—will level the online playing field and encourage competition.Given that Apple has historically only allowed apps to be downloaded through its own App Store, it makes sense that the company is one of the EU’s targets.The latter argued Apple was monopolizing software downloads on iOS by precluding third-party app shopping and taking up to 30 percent of every App Store sale as a result.Some believe sideloading is a dangerous practice, as there aren’t specific marketplace requirements software has to meet before it can be offered or acquired.The change will likely only affect Apple devices in Europe; however, if the United States and other regions develop legislation similar to the Digital Markets Act, it could only be a matter of time before Apple devices everywhere are required to embrace third-party app stores."