Apple today released the first developer beta of iOS 17.5, and as expected, the update introduces support for downloading apps from developer websites in the European Union.
In iOS 17.4, Apple began allowing developers to offer their apps through alternative app markets in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Apple initially intended for the apps to be available only through those marketplaces, but in March Apple said it would actually add support for downloading apps directly from websites.
In order to offer an application for download from a website in the European Union, developers must meet certain criteria. Developers must be members of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and must have an app with more than one million first installs on iOS in the European Union in the previous year. Other requirements include submitting to Apple’s notarization process and publishing transparent data collection policies.
Apple will provide authorized developers with an API that allows them to offer their applications for download over the web. Apps downloaded this way will be able to be backed up, restored, updated and more.
This is the first time Apple has sanctioned downloading an app directly from a website. Support for this feature will allow apps like Spotify, Fortnite and others to be downloaded directly to the iPhone if the developers behind those apps opt in to Apple’s terms.
Apps offered via the web do not have to pay any commission to Apple, but are subject to a €0.50 core technology fee.
As with alternative application markets, downloading applications from the web is available in the European Union only under the terms of the DMA. Note that apps can only be downloaded to iPhone this way as the changes do not apply to iPad.
Popular stories
A purported iOS 18 design resource reveals a visionOS-like redesign [Updated]
The first look at the rumored visionOS-style redesign of iOS 18 may have been revealed by a new image of the Camera app. Alleged iOS 18 Design Resource MacRumors received the above iPhone bezel template from an anonymous source who claims to have obtained it from an iOS engineer. It will reportedly be included as part of Apple Design Resources for iOS 18, which helps developers visually design apps …
What to expect from iOS 17.5
Apple has yet to release the first beta version of iOS 17.5 for iPhone, but two changes are already expected with the upcoming software update. iOS 17.5 will likely allow iPhone users in the EU to download apps directly from eligible developer websites, and the update could include some changes to the way Apple ID recovery contacts work. More details on these potential changes will follow. W…
Apple Says iPhone 6 Plus Is Now ‘Obsolete’, iPad Mini 4 Now ‘Vintage’
Apple today added a handful of devices to its list of old and obsolete products for the public, including some older iPhone and iPad models. Apple now considers the iPhone 6 Plus “obsolete” worldwide, meaning that Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers no longer offer repairs or other hardware services for the device. Apple says it considers a product “obsolete” after seven…
The Apple Card Savings Account will receive the first interest rate reduction
Almost a year after its US launch, Apple Card’s high-yield savings account will get its first interest rate cut. Starting April 3, the Apple Card Savings Account’s annual percentage rate of return (APY) will drop to 4.4%, according to Apple background information uncovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The account currently has a 4.5% APY. 4.4 percent will…
Best Buy is introducing an all-time low price on the Apple M3 MacBook Pro for members
Best Buy is discounting a large collection of M3 MacBook Pros today, including both the 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the laptop. Every deal in this sale requires you to have a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, though non-members can still get solid second-best prices on these MacBook Pro models. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner of Best Buy. When you click on a link and…
Top news: WWDC 2024 announced, new iPads delayed and more
Apple’s WWDC 2024 dates have been announced, giving us time to discover the company’s next round of major operating system updates and possibly some other announcements. We’ve also seen some disappointing iPad news this week, with update times for the iPad Pro and iPad Air pushed back from previously rumored. We’ve heard some new tidbits about what could be coming in iOS 18 and…