Apple updates iOS 26.2 and App Store in Japan to comply with MSCA: new default choices, alternative app stores and payments, lower fees, safeguards for minors.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple has begun rolling out sweeping changes to the App Store and iOS in Japan to comply with the new Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which takes effect on December 18. The updates are already available in iOS 26.2 and apply only to apps distributed in the Japanese market.
One of the standout shifts is more choice for users. During the initial setup of an iPhone in Japan, people are now prompted to select their default browser and search engine, with Safari and Google Search no longer assigned automatically. Users can also opt for a third-party navigation app and remap the side button to launch voice assistants, including services from other providers. It subtly reshapes the out-of-box experience and gives real weight to defaults.
For developers, the MSCA opens the door to new paths for distribution and monetization. Japan will permit alternative app stores, third-party payment systems, and web links for purchases, while Apple retains a safety backstop through mandatory review of marketplaces. Direct installs from websites—seen in the EU—remain off-limits, signaling a controlled opening rather than a free-for-all.
Apple has also introduced a new fee structure that varies by how apps are distributed and how payments are processed. The company sets the range at 5% to 26% and says most developers will pay the same or less than before. Reduced rates apply to participants in the Small Business Program and to subscriptions older than one year. The spread makes clear how much terms can hinge on the chosen route to market.
There is dedicated attention to protecting minors. All apps must display age ratings, and purchases made through alternative payment methods by users under 18 will require parental approval. Apple emphasizes that Japan’s approach is softer than Europe’s and allows privacy and safety to be factored in without major delays to new features—framing the changes as a balancing act meant to preserve trust while widening choice.