Since Apple opened up countries in the European Union in iOS 17.4 to fully support the ability to install applications on the iPhone through third-party App Stores, Japan has now become the next supported country. This means that after the official version of iOS 26.2 is launched, Apple will also open up Japan to install applications online through the iPhone.
Why can Apple open Japan’s third-party App Store for installation?
In the past, Apple only restricted the opening of alternative App Store third-party store functions in the European Union, mainly due to the EU’s Digital Market Act (DMA). This function has been online since iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 18. Now, with the expansion of regulatory trends in countries around the world, Japan will also become the second major market to obtain this permission.
The main reason why Japan can support the installation of third-party App Store applications is that the Japanese Congress passed a new law in June 2024, requiring technology companies such as Apple to open third-party application markets and payment mechanisms to break the platform monopoly.
subsequentlyJapan Fair Trade Commission(JFTC) announced in August 2025 “Mobile Software Competition Law Guide(Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines), which explicitly prohibits Apple and Google from blocking or restricting the use of other marketplaces or payment systems.
Japan’s new law is expected to take effect on December 18, 2025, which means that Apple needs to release the iOS 26 update within this period to comply with Japanese regulations. At the same time, Epic Games also announced in advance that it will officially bring “Fortress Heroes” and its game platform to Japanese iOS devices by the end of the year.
iPhone Japanese third-party iOS store supported versions and conditions
- Supported version: iOS 26.2 or newer system
- Supported countries: Japan (the system will detect the location)
It has been confirmed that Apple is testing the iOS 26.2 version, which allows users in Japan to install it on the iPhone in the form of a web page. Apple is expected to push the official version of iOS 26.2 between December 9 and December 16.
According to developer Tzzlala, Japanese iPhone devices with the iOS 26.2 beta version can already install third-party app stores such as AltStore PAL, Epic Games Store, etc., and download apps through these platforms. However, the in-app purchase function of “Fortress Heroes” is still subject to regional restrictions and transactions cannot be completed in Japan. The restrictions mainly come from Epic itself.
How to install third-party applications online on iPhone in Japan?
As long as you are in Japan and your iPhone has been updated to iOS 26.2 or a newer version, you can directly download and install the APP through the web page through a third-party App Store, such as the well-known AltStore PAL third-party store. As long as the region matches, you can directly download and install the APP through the iOS system.
Can I continue to use the APP after installing it after traveling to Japan?
Of course, you can also install third-party stores and apps when traveling to Japan. If you can continue to use them after returning home, however, as long as you leave Japan for more than a month, the iOS system will automatically stop updating and restrict use. It is equivalent to staying in Japan to continue using third-party App Store services.
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