Apple iOS 26.2 update introducing new app marketplace and payment options for Japan

Apple's iOS 26.2 Brings New App Marketplace & Payments to Japan

Key Highlights The Big Picture: Apple’s iOS 26.2 changes let Japanese developers use alternative app marketplaces and offer non‑Apple payment methods while adding new safety layers. Technical Edge: A baseline Notarization review replaces full App Store vetting for apps distributed outside the Store. The Bottom Line: Users gain more buying choices, but developers must navigate new compliance rules and potential security risks. The Japanese iOS ecosystem is about to shift. With the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) in force, Apple’s iOS 26.2 update opens doors for alternative app distribution and payment processing—while also bolstering protections for younger users. ...

December 21, 2025 · 3 min · TechLife