Today, Apple announced a new option to download iPhone apps in the EU, as starting this spring, Cupertino will allow developers to distribute their iOS apps to users in the EU directly from a developer-owned website.
As part of the Digital Markets Act, which added alternative app markets for EU users, Apple plans to add another option for users to download iPhone apps. Here’s what Apple posted on its developer blog:
“Web Distribution, available with a software update later this spring, will allow authorized developers to distribute their iOS apps to users in the EU directly from a developer-owned website. Apple will give authorized developers access to APIs that make it easy to distribute their apps from the web, integrate with system functions, back up and restore user apps, and more. “
Along with the software update, which could come with iOS 17.5, this means that developers must agree to the EU App Alternative Terms Addendum. When developers agree to this change, they are no longer bound by the existing App Store rules, although there are some downsides to choosing this “freedom” when promoting your own apps.
That said, here’s what flexibility means for EU iPhone app downloads for these developers:
- Alternative application markets: Marketplaces may choose to offer a catalog of apps exclusively from the marketplace developer.
- Connect to buy: When directing users to complete a transaction for digital goods or services on an external website, developers can choose how to design promotions, discounts, and other offers. Apple’s design templates, which are optimized for key purchase and promotional use cases, are now optional.
However, when downloading iPhone apps in the near future, EU users will have an experience similar to everyone else’s Mac experience. Despite the Mac App Store, it is possible to download software directly from the developer’s website.
BGR will notify you when Apple changes the way apps are distributed in the European Union.