Apple’s iOS ecosystem, the tech giant has announced a groundbreaking change that will allow developers to offer their iPhone apps for direct download from third-party websites to users in the European Union. This move marks a departure from Apple’s longstanding practice of exclusively distributing iOS apps through its App Store.
According to a report by TechCrunch, the change comes in response to the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU, aimed at fostering a more competitive landscape for businesses and providing greater consumer choice. Apple’s decision to permit web distribution of iOS apps signifies a significant step towards complying with these regulations.
Developers seeking to distribute their apps directly will need to meet certain criteria set by Apple, including notarization requirements and adherence to the company’s terms and conditions. Additionally, developers must agree to a new “core technology fee” of €0.50 for each first annual installation after surpassing one million downloads per year.
Despite this shift, Apple remains committed to maintaining security standards. Users will be required to authorize the installation of apps from third-party websites, and subsequent downloads will undergo a streamlined authorization process. Apple argues that these security measures are necessary to protect users from potential risks associated with sideloading apps.
However, critics have raised concerns about the user experience, labeling Apple’s authorization process as “scare screens” designed to deter users from exploring alternatives to the App Store. The European Commission is already investigating several aspects of Apple’s compliance with the DMA, including its fee structure and app distribution policies.
As developers navigate these changes, they now have three avenues for distributing their iOS apps in the EU: through the traditional App Store, via direct web distribution, or by submitting a marketplace app to Apple for hosting on its platform.
While the full impact of Apple’s decision remains to be seen, it represents a significant shift in the iOS landscape and underscores the evolving regulatory environment shaping the tech industry in the European Union.