Updated May 14, 2024:iOS 17.5 has been available since May 13, 2024.
In March, in order to comply with theDigital Markets Actin the European Union, Apple hasupdated its iOS operating systemin order to authorize the creation of alternative stores to the App Store, which allows apps to be downloaded and installed without going through the official iPhone distribution channel. Subsequently, the Cupertino company announced another change: the possibility, for certain developers, of distributing their apps directly from their websites, without going through the App Store or another store.
Application distribution from the web is coming
According to an article published by the MacRumors site, this change is now being tested by Apple. Indeed, it has just published the first beta version of iOS 17.5 for developers. And, among the new features present in this beta version, there is the possibility of downloading apps directly from the web. This new possibility makes the iPhone more open, but does not give total freedom comparable to that we have on Android.
In fact, only a few developers, who meet Apple's criteria, will be able to offer their iPhone applications for direct download. To benefit from this new distribution method, a developer must be a“member in good standing of the Apple Developer Program for two or more consecutive years and have an app that has had more than 1 million annual first-time installs on iOS in the EU in the previous calendar year.”
Other changes to come?
In any case, despite the numerous changes that Apple has already made to its platform, the firm could be forced to do more to satisfy the European Union. Indeed, the European Commission has already launched a procedure aimed at investigating the compliance of Apple, Alphabet and Meta with the Digital Markets Act. And it is possible that this procedure will push Apple to make even more concessions.
Additionally, the EU is also investigating Apple's new tariffs for developers. Indeed, if Apple allows applications to be installed from third-party stores or directly from the developer's website, the developer charges a new commission called technology fees. These costs are“€0.50 for each first annual installation above one million in the last 12 months.”
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By : Keleops AG
