Recently, Apple has made some major changes to its core platforms to comply with the European Union’s DMA (Digital Markets Act). With the iOS 17.4 update released last week, Apple made some significant changes to its iPhones and App Store guidelines. This includes support for sideloading on iPhones and alternative payment methods for EU users.
Now, Apple is on the way to making further changes in response to the feedback received from developers so far. The most significant change is allowing developers to offer their iOS apps for download directly from the website. For this, Apple will launch a new web distribution feature via software update later this spring.
Well, this seems to be one of the most significant DMA-inspired changes yet. As long as developers are willing to adhere to Apple’s strict guidelines, they can distribute iOS apps in EU markets without the need for a separate app store.
Additionally, there are some other changes that will help developers distribute iOS apps in the EU region.
Changes in the application market
Apple announced some big changes to its App Store guidelines earlier this year. Previously, app market operators had to allow submissions from other developers. But now Apple says app marketplaces can offer a catalog of apps exclusively from that marketplace’s developer. With this immediate change, the company gets complete freedom to manage the app market and offer its iOS apps for download.
Distribution of applications from websites
Developers also have the option of opting out of the app market route entirely. As mentioned above, Apple will launch a new “Web Distribution” feature via a software update that allows developers to distribute their iOS apps from their own website. Now, this means that instead of going to the App Store or an alternative marketplace, iPhone users in the EU can go to the developer’s website and download the app.
Of course, Apple won’t offer such major changes for free. If developers want to use the “Web Distribution” feature, they will need to agree to the new business conditions of the App Store. Now, that means the new commission rate would go into effect for those developers. They will pay a fee for the underlying technology from €0.50 for each first annual installation of over a million installations.
Also, apps must still meet Apple’s notarization guidelines to protect the integrity of the platform. iPhone users can install apps from a website domain that is registered with App Store Connect.
“Using App Store Connect, developers can easily download signed binaries and host them on their distribution website. To install apps from a developer’s website, users will first need to allow the developer to install apps in Settings on their iPhone. When you install an app, the system table will display information that developers have submitted to Apple for review, such as the app name, developer name, app description, screenshots, and system age rating.” – Apple
In order to distribute applications through websites, developers must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program as an organization established, headquartered and/or registered in the EU. The location associated with your legal entity is listed in your Apple Developer account.
- Be a member in good standing in the Apple Developer Program two continuous years or more and you have an app that had more than one million first annual installs on iOS in the EU in the previous calendar year.
- Only offer apps from a developer account.
These are some of the conditions. The Cupertino-based tech giant explained all the requirements, fees, waivers and more in a separate document.
Linkage
Finally, Apple is also changing its strict guidelines on how they can link to an external website to complete transactions. Apple now lets developers choose “how to design promotions, discounts and other offers.” This means that Apple’s own templates and guidelines are now optional, rather than being imposed on developers. This change is also effective immediately.
Of course, just like the other changes, the new iOS app distribution rules are only intended for app developers in the EU. Also, only users in the EU can enjoy this newfound freedom. Other developers and users still have to go through Apple’s official App Store.
Well, it’s good to see Apple finally pushing its boundaries and taking a more flexible approach, even if it’s to avoid a lawsuit. While it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon, hopefully Apple will extend these freedoms worldwide for its loyal fan base.
Among other changes due to EU technical guidelines, Apple is also preparing to allow iPhone users in the EU to completely uninstall Safari and switch to a third-party web browser.