Apple's iOS 26.2 Beta Enables Third-Party App Stores in Japan Ahead of Regulatory Deadline
By
tosh
Plain bagel done well. Pleasantly substantive.
Summary
Apple has released the first beta of iOS 26.2, which will allow users in Japan to install third-party app stores on their iPhones and iPads when the public version launches in December. This move comes ahead of regulatory deadlines and follows similar changes Apple made for the European Union market. The beta reportedly enables installation of alternative app stores like AltStore PAL and Epic Games Store, though some features like Fortnite in-app purchases are currently region-blocked.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledApple on Tuesday released the first beta of iOS 26.2 to developers, and it appears that the software will allow users in Japan to install alternative app marketplaces on their devices when it is released to the public in December.
According to a post shared on X by @Tzzlala, iPhones running the beta in Japan are able to install alternative app stores like AltStore PAL and Epic Games, and download apps from them, though Fortnite in-app purchases are currently region-blocked by Epic.
Apple only lets iPhone and iPad users based in the EU to install alternative app stores, but it appears that Japan will be the second country to get the feature.
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