When I was managing my Apps I saw that it’s now apparently possible to delete the App Store? Does anyone know why this is a feature and what were to happen if one were to delete it?
iPad Pro, iPadOS 18
I'm guessing that you live in the European Union. There, you can install an app for an alternative app marketplace, and even delete the App Store app for Apple's marketplace. If you want to download or update any apps from the Apple App Store after doing that, you would go to Settings to get the App Store back.
About alternative app distribution in the European Union - Apple Support
Delete certain built-in apps from your iPhone or iPad in the European Union - Apple Support
I'm guessing that you live in the European Union. There, you can install an app for an alternative app marketplace, and even delete the App Store app for Apple's marketplace. If you want to download or update any apps from the Apple App Store after doing that, you would go to Settings to get the App Store back.
About alternative app distribution in the European Union - Apple Support
Delete certain built-in apps from your iPhone or iPad in the European Union - Apple Support
As for why this is a feature, it's because the European Union mandated support for alternate app stores as part of the Digital Market Act.
Apple had no choice but to allow alternate app stores if they wanted to continue to do business in that very large (and lucrative) market.
Why can you now delete the App Store and consequences?
