In order to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, Apple announced on Jan. 25 changes to its payment system for app sellers in the EU, and that it was letting go of the hold its App Store has over iOS app distribution in the EU. As well as the App Store changes, Apple will prompt iOS users in the EU to select a preferred browser instead of defaulting to Safari in accordance with the DMA. These changes will come with iOS 17.4 in the EU in March.
Developers working on iOS apps will be able to distribute them through alternate storefronts in the European Union beginning in March 2024.
In response, Apple built new options for iOS, Safari on iOS, the App Store and developer app analytics.
APIs and other tools to help developers offer apps on alternative marketplaces.
A request form for developers seeking interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software.
Notarization for iOS apps, a review process with human and automated checks.
App installation sheets for users, the app developer, screenshots and other information.
New malware protections to prevent devices from launching malicious iOS apps.
An authorization process for app marketplace developers.
SEE: Apple has been relatively quiet on the AI chatbot front but did release a study about running generative AI on phones and tablets.
There is wide-ranging debate over whether Apple's move is ultimately a benefit or a drawback for large and small application makers, end users, Apple and the technology industry as a whole.
The Core Technology Fee is €0.50 for each first annual install over one million in the past 12 months.
Apple predicts less than 1% of app makers will reach the threshold required to pay this fee.
Developers could stay within the existing Apple Store ecosystem, which takes a commission from the revenue of apps sold in the store.
Fees for iOS apps on the App Store in the EU will be 10 percent for most developers or 17 percent for digital goods and services.
iOS app developers can use the App Store's payment processing in the EU for an additional 3 percent fee within the App Store.
Apple frames its app marketplace as a security measure.
Apple frames the DMA as opening up users to potentially harmful material accessed through app stores that are unregulated by Apple.
Apple has added Notarization for iOS apps to try to curb harmful content.
Apple expects to release more resources for EU users to help them navigate the changes closer to the March rollout.
This Cyber News was published on www.techrepublic.com. Publication date: Mon, 29 Jan 2024 20:13:05 +0000