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Apple makes changes to comply with Japan's 'Smartphone Law'

By Nicholas Hirst ( December 18, 2025, 01:01 GMT | Insight) -- Apple announced on Thursday that it was allowing alternative app stores and payment methods on the iPhone in Japan, as part of a raft of changes to comply with the country’s new law for the largest digital platforms. The US tech giant also overhauled its commissions from developers, saying that it would result in lower fees. The company said it was confident, following exchanges with the Japan Fair Trade Commission, that its changes met the law’s requirements.Apple announced on Thursday that it was allowing alternative app stores and payment methods on the iPhone in Japan, as part of a raft of changes to comply with the country’s new law for the largest digital platforms....

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