Days after Apple allowed iOS users in the EU to use third-party app stores, the company announced additional changes to how developers can distribute their apps. Now, those developers who meet certain criteria will be able to allow users to download applications from their sites.
The Web Distribution option will become available this spring. In effect, it will allow developers to bypass the software distribution ecosystem entirely for their own applications. To qualify, developers must agree to new App Store rules that require them to pay a fee for each user install after certain thresholds. They must also be a member of the Apple Developer Program and have been in good standing for at least 2 years. Among other criteria, they will need to “have an app that had more than one million first-year installs on iOS in the EU in the previous calendar year.”
By setting certain rules to support online downloads, Apple hopes to minimize the risk of users installing pirated or malicious applications. However, the company has been criticized for seemingly adhering only to the letter of the EU Digital Markets Act rather than its spirit. Therefore, attempts to control downloads of applications from the Internet may also come under close scrutiny from regulatory authorities.
Additionally, Apple now allows developers to launch app stores that exclusively contain their own apps. Previously, they were required to also offer applications from other developers. So companies like Epic Games, Xbox and Meta can have iOS app stores that only contain their own programs and games.
At the same time, developers will have more options regarding how they can direct users to an external page to complete the purchase transaction of digital goods and services. Apple used to provide design templates for in-app promotions, discounts, and offers, but these are now optional. This means companies like Spotify and Netflix can now develop links to their sites (and potentially avoid Apple's 30% commission on subscriptions through in-app sign-ups).
Source: Engadget
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