TL;DR:
- Apple is introducing a new web distribution feature this spring, allowing developers to offer their apps for direct download from their websites.
- iOS users in the EU will have the freedom to download apps without relying on the App Store or any alternative marketplace.
- The changes are a response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Recently, Apple released iOS 17.4we present big changes into the App Store landscape in the European Union. Why? To comply with the newly adopted Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes include support for alternative app markets, new business terms, in-app purchase options, and more.
Now, in response to developer feedback, Apple is announced a few additional tweaks, as reported 9to5Mac. Namely, the technology giant from Cupertino will introduce a new web distribution feature this spring, allowing developers to offer their applications for direct download from their websites.
For EU developers who have agreed to the Alternative App Terms Addendum, the new options include the ability for app marketplaces to exclusively offer the developer’s apps on the marketplace. This change allows the company to lead the app market and only offer its apps for download.
In addition, when directing users to transact on external websites, developers can now choose how to design promotions, discounts and offers, making Apple’s design templates optional.
As mentioned earlier, Apple is introducing a web distribution feature, which should launch later this spring. This feature will allow developers to distribute their iOS apps directly from their websites. iPhone users in the EU will have the freedom to download apps without relying on the App Store or any alternative marketplace.
However, apps distributed over the web must adhere to Apple’s notarization guidelines, limiting installations to registered website domains in App Store Connect.
For iPhone users in the EU, this could mean a wider choice of apps, which could potentially lead to increased competition and therefore lower prices. Regardless, users may need to be more careful when downloading apps from sources outside of the App Store, and managing those apps and updates may be less convenient. Recent changes in digital practice, including those made by Apple, are a response to the EU’s digital policy Market Law. This law targets big tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok and Amazon, ordering them to follow new rules to encourage competition and offer consumers more options. Apple, adapting to these regulations, is even working on a tool that will make it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android.