Apple further loosens grip on iPhone apps in the EU by allowing direct downloads،
TL;DR:
- Apple is introducing a new Web Distribution feature this spring, allowing developers to offer their applications for direct download from their websites.
- iOS users in the EU will have the freedom to download apps without resorting to the App Store or any other alternative marketplace.
- The changes are a response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Recently, Apple has rolled out iOS 17.4presenting big changes to the App Store landscape in the European Union. For what? Comply with the recently 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 has announcement some additional adjustments, as reported by 9to5Mac. Notably, the Cupertino tech giant 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 accepted the Addendum to the Alternative Terms for Apps, the new options include the ability for app marketplaces to exclusively offer apps from the marketplace developer. This change allows a company to manage an app marketplace and only offer its own apps for download.
Additionally, when guiding users through completing transactions on external web pages, developers can now choose how to design promotions, discounts and offers, with Apple's design templates becoming optional.
As previously mentioned, Apple is introducing a Web Distribution feature, scheduled to launch later this spring. This feature will allow developers to distribute their iOS applications directly from their websites. iPhone users in the EU will have the freedom to download apps without resorting to the App Store or any other alternative marketplace.
However, apps distributed over the web must follow Apple's notarization guidelines, limiting installations to website domains registered in App Store Connect.
For EU iPhone users, this could mean a wider choice of apps, which could lead to increased competition and, therefore, lower prices. Still, users may need to be more careful when downloading apps from sources outside of the App Store, and managing these apps and updates may be less convenient.
Recent changes in digital practices, including those made by Apple, are a response to the European Digital Markets Act. This law targets big tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok and Amazon, requiring them to follow new rules to encourage competition and provide more options to users. Apple, adapting to comply with these regulations, is even working on a tool to make it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android.
