Apple is reportedly splitting its App Store in half. | Image credit: Reuters
Apple is reportedly splitting its App Store division in half; while one group of employees will run the App Store, the other will manage the iPhone maker’s dealings with alternative marketplaces that were opened in response to EU legislation.
According to a report from The Verge, Matt Fischer, Apple’s vice president of the App Store, will also leave the company as part of the restructuring after holding the role for more than a decade.
Apple’s senior director Carson Oliver will reportedly oversee the App Store division, while product director Ann Thai will lead the group handling the alternative app store division.
The shared App Store team is led by Phil Schiller.
The restructuring comes after European regulations forced Apple to allow third-party app stores and payment methods. The rules prompted companies like Epic Games to open their app stores for the iPhone.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act, which forced Apple to allow alternative app stores, aims to rein in tech giants such as Apple, Amazon, TikTok owner ByteDance, Meta Platforms, Alphabet’s Google and Microsoft, creating a level playing field for smaller rivals and ultimately more competition for Europeans.
