iOS updates/new EU regulations/Brazilian court rulings… Take a quick look at this week’s major App Store events!

2025-03-14

iOS updates/new EU regulations/Brazilian court rulings… Take a quick look at this week’s major App Store events!

iOS 18.3.2 Major Update: Streaming Revolution + System Security Upgrade

Apple pushed iOS 18.3.2 on March 12, deeply optimizing the decoding algorithm for streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify, and completely solving the problems of stuttering and audio and video delays in 5G/Wi-Fi environments. At the same time, it fixed the kernel memory leak vulnerability (CVE-2025-XXXX), strengthened the Face ID biometric verification mechanism, and added hardware-level encryption protection in mobile payment scenarios. Although new features such as AR navigation were not introduced, the underlying optimization paved the way for the new EU regulations for iOS 18.4.

Source:App Store

iOS 18.4 Targets Navigation Monopoly: EU Users to Choose Third-Party Default Maps by April

To comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple will open navigation access in iOS 18.4 (April release). Users can select Google Maps, Waze, or HERE Maps via *Settings > General > Default Apps*, supporting real-time traffic sync and offline caching. This ends Apple’s exclusive navigation data control, with Waze likely benefiting most from its community-driven data.

Brazil Court Orders Apple to Open Third-Party Stores in 90 Days or Face $40K Daily Fines

On March 10, Brazil’s Federal Court ruled Apple must allow third-party stores like Aptoide, with a $41,000 daily fine starting Day 91. Apple is appealing, citing malware risks (e.g., 2.3 million Google Play attacks blocked in Brazil in 2024). This marks the world’s first judicial push to dismantle app distribution monopolies.

Source:App Store

Google vs. Utah: Battling Over Mandatory Minors’ Data Disclosure

Google opposed Utah’s App Store Accountability Act in a March 13 legal brief, arguing mandatory minor info sharing could enable circumvention by platforms like Meta. It proposed age verification only for violent/explicit apps, with encrypted data via APIs. Meta supports the bill, claiming it “protects teen mental health.”

Source:IThome

Google Cracks Down on Chrome Extension Cashback Scams: PayPal’s Honey First Target

Google updated Chrome Store policies on March 11 to ban extensions from auto-replacing promo codes or intercepting cashback. PayPal-owned Honey was flagged for replacing creator discounts with its own affiliate links, increasing user payments by 15–25%. New rules require clear “Promoted” labels for affiliate ads.

Google Play Enforces Two-Factor Authentication: All Developers Must Comply by May 12

To combat rising account takeovers (120,000+ stolen in 2024), Google mandates two-factor authentication for all developers by May 12. Only 47% are compliant; Google recommends Google Authenticator or security keys. Developers should prioritize setup by March–April 2025 to avoid disruptions.

Source:Google play

EU’s Skich Launches with 15% Commission, Challenging Apple’s 20% Fee

EU-compliant third-party store Skich launched on March 14 with 20 games like Genshin Impact . Users bypass the App Store, paying a 15% fee (vs. Apple’s 20%). Its cloud gaming + subscription model (€9.99/month) targets Apple Arcade, with Android expansion and EA/Ubisoft partnerships planned for Q2.

Source:Skich

Editorial Insights for Developers:

From an ASO perspective, recent trends demand attention to:

① Adapting keyword strategies to iOS updates affecting user experience.

② Seizing regulatory-driven opportunities in EU/Brazilian third-party stores.

③ Strengthening privacy/security trust to mitigate policy risks.

④ Optimizing compliance copy for platform rule changes (e.g., Chrome extensions).

⑤ Localizing keywords/metadata to compete across fragmented channels.

App Store, News, Mobile Analytics

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iOS updates/new EU regulations/Brazilian court rulings… Take a quick look at this week’s major App Store events!