This is a major upgrade for a cellular ecosystem that otherwise prohibits what’s known as “sideloading. “Apple’s position in the walled garden has in the past allowed it to funnel almost all of iOS developers’ profits through its own App Store. But in the EU, that hole is being dismantled in the wake of new App Store regulations that the iPhone maker has been trying to comply with since early last month.
In March, Apple announced that it would soon have the right to internet distribution on its cellular platform as part of adjustments to comply with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Pan-European regulation imposes a number of obligations on tech companies. Giants involved that lawmakers hope will target professional users of the platforms, as well as protect consumers from the big tech that wields their influence.
Briefing reporters on the latest developments in its app ecosystem in the EU on Tuesday, ahead of the official announcement, an Apple representative said that developers who need to distribute iOS apps directly will be able to access this right through iOS 17. 5 Beta 2.
To do so, developers will want to adhere to Apple’s new commercial terms in the EU, which include a new “central generation fee” charged at €0. 50 for every first annual install above 1 million in the last 12 months, regardless of where the apps are located. distriyeted. App creators who want to pay those fees lately still don’t have the option to keep Apple’s old trading terms, meaning they can’t access any of the DMA rights.
In previous DMA changes, the app was opened up to allow marketplace apps in the EU where developers can run their own app outlets on iOS, adding marketplaces consisting solely of their own apps.
Other DMA-induced reforms come with greater flexibility on Apple’s part when it comes to in-app payments, as well as a ban on its own old anti-admin measures. This means that iOS developers who comply with the new terms and situations can let their users know less expensive deals that can be obtained outdoors on Apple’s App Store.
Going back to the new Internet distribution option for iOS applications, Apple’s criterion for developers who wish to distribute their software directly is to be in a smart state with its progression program; certify handling of things like intellectual asset litigation and government takedown requests; and is committed to offering a visitation service to iOS users, as Apple will not offer such iOS apps downloaded outside of its App Store.
EU DMA Regulations for Big Tech Explained
It also notes that all programs distributed on the internet will need to comply with notary certification requirements, which it says are meant to protect the integrity of the platform.
An Apple representative described this as a fundamental standard of safety and security, which they say they expect iOS users to help make sure their device is protected from external risks.
The company goes on to argue that downloading apps carries inherent security risks for mobile users, suggesting that it is looking for a way to comply with the DMA while taking steps to limit the risks the changes create for its users.
The first time an iOS user tries to download an app from a developer’s website, they will be prompted to allow them to install apps directly on their device. Apple’s current permission design consists of several steps and requires users to ensure that they need to grant permission to the developer through the iOS settings menu and by clicking “allow” in the following permission pop-ups (the other option, i. e. , deny permission, says “ignore”).
Once they’ve followed this multi-step procedure and approved a developer, any long-term direct download involves fewer steps, according to Apple.
The design of the tracking flow presented through Apple in the report includes a screen informing users that “updates and purchases in this app will be handled through the developer,” combined with a suggestion to “verify data before installation,” shown above. A card containing key app facts and screenshots, as well as a link to see “more” data.
Apple claims that those steps and the data provided through iOS to users in the authorization procedure for direct downloads from the Internet are moderate security measures; DMA allows gatekeepers to enforce those steps to protect the integrity of the platform.
However, critics of Apple’s DMA have called such pop-ups “scary screens,” arguing that the streaming it designs is meant to inject friction and deter iOS users from leaving Apple’s backyard, for example, by implying that direct downloads are riskier. that you download through Apple’s App Store.
Apple’s strategy with other aspects of DMA compliance is being investigated by the European Commission, so at least some of those criticisms have prompted the European government to take a closer look at its perspectives on what the law requires.
Last month, the Commission announced that it would review Apple’s regulations on driving on the App Store and design opportunity selection screens for its Safari internet browser, which is another core platform service regulated through the DMA. The EU has also announced some “investigations” and “measures” concerning Apple’s new iOS payment structure, but, for now, the new generation central payments are maintained.
Given that Apple has just implemented online distribution for iOS apps, it remains to be seen whether the EU will also step in to take a closer look at this facet of its DMA compliance.
It’s also unclear what the iOS developers’ call for direct-to-web distribution will be. When asked about this, Apple said that some app creators need to have this option, but also noted that this is a new feature, which is just beginning to be available, saying that it’s not certain how many developers will need to take advantage of this option. The option is in addition to the existing (established) and yet-to-be-had option for distribution on the App Store.
In the EU, developers now have a third way to reach users: they can submit a marketplace app to Apple asking them to distribute their software through their own store hosted on their platform.
Apple will allow online distribution of iOS apps in the latest DMA settings
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