Japan Forces Apple, Google to Open App Stores

Japan forces Apple and Google to open their mobile platforms to competing app stores, marking a significant regulatory shift in the Asia-Pacific tech sector. Under new laws, users in Japan can now download apps from sources outside the official Apple App Store and Google Play. This change disrupts long-standing control by the two tech giants and aligns with broader efforts in the region to promote competition.

The legislation forms part of a larger wave of digital policy reforms in Asia. In other regional developments, Linux distribution Debian announced support for Chinese-made processors, expanding technology sovereignty efforts. Authorities in Hong Kong launched a crackdown on illegal Christmas karaoke setups, citing public safety concerns. Japanese beverage giant Asahi admitted it could have prevented a damaging hack targeting its operations.

As Japan forces Apple and Google to loosen their grip on app distribution, regional governments appear more willing to challenge tech monopolies.

Read the full report for more:
https://www.theregister.com/2025/12/22/asia_tech_news_roundup/