On May 6, 2025, Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at reshaping the landscape of the mobile app marketplace in the United States. The bill, titled the App Store Freedom Act, seeks to enhance competition and consumer choice by requiring dominant app store operators to allow the installation and use of third-party app stores on mobile devices.
What the App Store Freedom Act Proposes
Although the bill does not specifically name any companies, it clearly targets industry giants such as Apple and Google. The legislation defines a “large app store operator” as a company managing an app store with over 100 million U.S. users. Based on that criteria, the two major platforms affected would be Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.
The key provisions of the App Store Freedom Act include:
- Third-Party App Store Installation: Companies like Apple would be required to permit users to download and install alternative app stores.
- Default App Store Settings: Users must be allowed to set third-party app stores as the default, not just use them alongside the native store.
- Equal Developer Access: Apple and Google would be obligated to offer developers fair and equal access to critical development tools, APIs, and features—free of cost and without discrimination.
- Pre-Installed App Control: Users must have the ability to remove or hide pre-installed apps that come with the operating system or device.
- Third-Party Payments: The bill also aims to force large app store operators to support third-party payment systems within apps.
Enforcement and Penalties
To ensure compliance, the App Store Freedom Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce its provisions. If companies are found in violation, they could face significant financial penalties. Specifically, the bill allows for civil penalties of up to $1 million per violation, in addition to any actions taken by the FTC under existing consumer protection laws.
Why This Bill Matters
The legislation was introduced in response to long-standing complaints from app developers and consumer rights advocates who argue that Apple and Google have monopolistic control over mobile software distribution. Critics claim these companies impose restrictive policies, high commission fees, and engage in self-preferential treatment that harms competition.
Apple, for example, has historically not allowed users to install apps from outside its own App Store on iPhones and iPads. In contrast, Android users have had some ability to sideload apps, though Google discourages the practice and makes it technically difficult.
The bill is intended to level the playing field and make the mobile app ecosystem more open and competitive, which proponents say would foster innovation and reduce costs for both developers and consumers.
Similar Global Efforts
The United States is not alone in pushing for app store reform. The European Union has already implemented its Digital Markets Act (DMA), which includes many similar provisions. Under that law, Apple has been required to allow third-party app stores and enable alternative payment links within apps. In response, Apple has begun to adapt its policies for EU users, though not without criticism.
Google has also been subject to new rules under the DMA. One of the changes includes offering a “choice screen” that allows users to select their preferred web browser during device setup—a move designed to prevent Google Chrome from being the default without user consent.
Recent Legal and Market Developments
This new legislative effort comes on the heels of several major legal battles and regulatory changes. In the United States, the high-profile Epic Games v. Apple case has already set a legal precedent regarding payment systems and app distribution. In that case, a judge ruled that Apple must allow developers to direct users to external payment options, although the ruling stopped short of requiring Apple to support full third-party app stores.
Apple and Google have both adjusted their policies in response to mounting legal and political pressure. Apple, for example, has recently begun allowing developers to include links to external payment platforms—though this is still tightly controlled and only permitted under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, Google has been gradually relaxing some of its own app store restrictions, partly in response to global regulatory scrutiny. These include offering billing alternatives in some regions and reducing its service fee for certain developers.
Industry Reactions
The mobile tech industry has been watching the bill closely. Supporters of the legislation include smaller app developers and digital rights organizations who argue that increased freedom will lead to a healthier, more competitive market. Critics, however, warn that forcing companies to allow third-party app stores could undermine device security and user privacy.
Apple, in particular, has long defended its App Store model as essential to maintaining security and a consistent user experience. The company claims that sideloading apps—one of the outcomes this bill would allow—could expose users to malware and data theft.
Google has also expressed concerns, though it has traditionally allowed more flexibility in Android than Apple has in iOS. Still, both companies are expected to resist any changes that could weaken their control over app distribution and in-app purchases.
What’s Next?
The introduction of the App Store Freedom Act is just the beginning of what could be a lengthy legislative journey. The bill will need to pass through various House and Senate committees before it can be voted on by the full Congress. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant changes to mobile app store policy in U.S. history.
Observers say the bill’s success will likely depend on bipartisan support and lobbying efforts from consumer groups, tech industry stakeholders, and civil liberties organizations. Given the increasing attention to Big Tech’s market power, there is a growing sentiment in Washington that such reforms are long overdue.
Whether the App Store Freedom Act becomes law or not, it reflects a broader global trend: a shift toward demanding more openness, fairness, and accountability from the tech giants that dominate our digital lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the App Store Freedom Act?
The App Store Freedom Act is a proposed U.S. law introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) that would require major app store operators—like Apple and Google—to allow users to install and set third-party app stores as default, permit alternative payment systems, and provide equal access to development tools for app creators.
Who does the bill affect?
The bill applies to “large app store operators” with more than 100 million U.S. users. Currently, this includes Apple (iOS App Store) and Google (Google Play Store).
Does the bill mention Apple or Google by name?
No, the bill does not specifically name Apple or Google, but its scope and criteria clearly target their platforms based on market size and influence.
What would change for iPhone users if the bill passes?
iPhone users would be able to:
- Download and use third-party app stores.
- Set an alternative app store as the default.
- Remove or hide pre-installed Apple apps.
- Use third-party payment options within apps.
Will Android users be affected?
Yes, Google would also have to comply by making it easier to use third-party app stores and allowing broader access to development tools and payment systems.
Are there penalties for non-compliance?
Yes. The bill allows the Federal Trade Commission to enforce its provisions. Companies that violate the law could face civil fines of up to $1 million per violation, in addition to other enforcement actions.
How is this different from what the EU has already done?
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) enforces similar requirements, and companies like Apple have already started implementing changes in Europe, such as supporting third-party app stores and alternative payments. The U.S. bill would bring similar reforms stateside.
Why are some people against this bill?
Critics, especially from Apple and some security experts, argue that forcing support for third-party app stores could lead to increased security vulnerabilities, malware risks, and fragmentation of the user experience.
Conclusion
The App Store Freedom Act signals a growing bipartisan interest in regulating Big Tech and introducing greater competition into digital marketplaces. While it remains to be seen whether the bill will pass into law, it clearly reflects a broader global shift toward limiting the power of dominant tech platforms. By pushing for third-party app store support, equal developer treatment, and user control over apps and payment systems, the legislation has the potential to reshape how mobile platforms operate in the U.S.
