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Senators Reintroduce Open App Markets Act to Challenge App Store Dominance
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In a move to address concerns over market dominance in the app store ecosystem, a bipartisan group of senators, including Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), have reintroduced the Open App Markets Act on June 26, 2025.The bill seeks to level the playing field for developers and promote competition within app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.
Key provisions of the Open App Markets Act
The open App Markets Act, initially introduced in 2021 but never voted on after Senate Judiciary Committee passage in 2022, targets app stores boasting 50,000 or more monthly users. The core objective remains consistent with the original proposal: to mandate that covered companies permit sideloading, facilitate third-party app stores, and enable alternative payment systems.
the legislation also aims to protect developers’ rights to inform consumers about competitive pricing and offer them. Furthermore,it seeks to prevent app store operators from prioritizing their own apps and services within app store search results.
Did You Know? The Open App Markets Act could potentially reshape the app economy, fostering innovation and providing more choices for both developers and consumers.
The Changing Legal landscape
The reintroduction of the Open app Markets Act occurs amidst a shifting legal landscape. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), enacted in 2022, has already compelled Apple to permit third-party app stores and alternative payment systems.
Moreover, Apple’s legal battles, including a lawsuit with Epic Games, have resulted in the company being required to allow developers to direct customers to external payment options outside the App Store. The open App Markets Act seeks to codify these types of changes into U.S. law.
