iOS 26.2: App Marketplaces and Browser Choice in Japan
Tim Hardwick (Hacker News, Slashdot):
Apple 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.
I remain ambivalent about App Marketplaces. They’re certainly a step forward for the availability of apps, but they may end up forestalling better options. I would rather see full sideloading via the Web with notarization optional.
With iOS 26.2, Apple is adding a prompt that allows iPhone users in Japan to select a preferred search engine. As noted on Reddit, the option to choose a search engine comes up after installing iOS 26.2 for the first time.
iPhone users in Japan can select from Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo Japan, or Ecosia, the same options available globally in the Safari settings.
No Kagi and still no way to add true custom search engines.
Previously:
- Japanese Mobile Software Competition Act
- Firefox Benefits From Browser Choice Screens
- How Safari Search Engine Extensions Work
- iOS 18: Browser Choice and Default App Controls in EU
- Japan Passes Law to Allow App Marketplaces
- DMA Compliance: Web Distribution of iOS Apps in EU
- DMA Compliance: Alternative App Stores But No Sideloading
- Proposed Japanese Law for Alternate App Stores
