Apple is announcing further changes to its iOS app developer policies in the European Union (EU) after the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) comes into effect.
According to Neowin, the biggest change is that iOS app developers can now allow users in the EU to download their apps from external sites, a first for Apple. In a post on its developer page, the company said it will add Web Distribution to iOS apps.
This will allow developers to launch websites to download their apps directly instead of going through the iOS app store. Apple said it will provide those developers with new APIs so they can publish apps on its website as well as ways to “integrate with system functionality, backup and restore apps.” of the user”.
In addition to distributing apps via the website, Apple announced some additional developer policy changes for EU users. First, Apple allows companies to set up third-party app stores that offer apps solely from that app store’s developers. Second, if developers want to direct EU users to an external site to purchase subscriptions and pay for items, they can now use their design to advertise special offers, discount
iOS developers must agree to the terms in Apple’s Alternative Terms Addendum for EU apps before they can use these new tools and services.
Apple previously agreed to make changes to its app store policies to comply with the EU DMA, including support for downloading apps on iPhone and iPad from third-party app stores. However, many major developers have complained to the EU that Apple’s new policies include additional conditions that they say violate the DMA’s regulations.