healthcare.digital June 17, 2025
Apple and Google play all three roles as gatekeepers, distributors, and developers in the health app space, creating a complex dynamic with significant influence over the ecosystem.
Apple and Google as Gatekeepers
Role: They control access to health apps via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, setting guidelines for inclusion, privacy, and compliance with regulations like the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and GDPR.
Functions
Enforce app quality, safety, and data privacy standards.
Verify compliance for medical device apps (e.g., those with diagnostic or therapeutic functions).
Manage app visibility and rankings, influencing which apps reach users.
Challenges
Conflict of Interest: As...
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