- Apple allows EU users to install apps directly from the website.
- But of course, it adds a bunch of rules that make it nearly impossible to achieve.
- Apple really, really doesn't like being told what to do.
Apple will allow iPhone users in the EU to download apps directly from the website, but it's not as cost-effective as it might seem at first glance.
The latest developments in Apple's back-and-forth feud with the European Council (EC) and its efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) show that Apple appears to be taking the openness of its iOS platform to unprecedented levels. In addition to allowing third-party iOS app stores, Apple will now allow "network distribution," where developers can let users download apps from websites, just like on Macs and PCs. But this is Apple, and it has a bunch of cumbersome rules that make the whole thing too cumbersome, instead of opening up iOS into a computing platform like it should.
"iOS must evolve towards the open nature of macOS, and there is no legitimate reason to keep it an anomaly. Mobile developers want to delegate application security to a dedicated independent entity, away from the constraints of the AppStore (or Google PlayStore). Principal, Approov Mobile Security Executive Ted Miracco told Lifewire via email that the current duopoly does not provide the best security, as all the API vulnerabilities and mobile hacks show.
First, let's take a brief look at Apple's story with DMA so far. To comply, Apple must open up its iOS platform in some way to allow for more competition. The EC doesn't specify what it should do - like other companies to which the DMA applies, Apple must develop a plan and submit it, and the EC will then decide whether it meets the requirements.
For Apple followers, this is a beautiful irony. This is exactly the blind back-and-forth Apple does to developers when they submit their apps for App Store approval.
So far, Apple has created a way for third-party app stores on iOS to exist, and has subsequently relaxed some of its most exclusive rules, such as requiring app store providers to maintain at least 1 million euros in bank balances for Apple to use. Used when using third-party app stores. immersion.
The latest attempt at DMA compliance is shocking, as it looks like Apple is finally opening up its iPhone platform to mirror the Mac, where you can download apps from anywhere. However, it comes with a set of rules that make it impossible for any small developer to take advantage of it.
The rules are as frustratingly arbitrary as ever. For example, to be eligible, a developer must "be a member in good standing of the Apple Developer Program for two consecutive years or more and have an app with more than 1 million first-year annual installs on EU iOS." Calendar year. "
This is obviously intended to allow only large, established companies to participate. Meanwhile, "good standing" clauses allow Apple to shut out anyone it doesn't like.
Some of these rules already violate the DMA: the rules require that only organizations that are "registered, registered and/or registered in the EU" or have EU subsidiaries are eligible.
"I'm sorry Apple, but if I have less than 1 million EU users on the App Store, or if I have a 'personal' developer account, my rights under the DMA do not disappear. This restriction simply doesn't work," iOS and Mac developer Steve Troughton-Smith wrote on Mastodon.
The whole story is moving so fast and I expect more twists and turns this week. Apple appears to be slowly complying with the spirit of the law - users should be able to easily load any apps they like onto the pocket computers they buy and own - but it's doing so as slowly as possible.
Apple's move also betrays a lack of confidence. Even if it opens its doors to arbitrary, Mac-like installations on iPhones, the App Store still has a huge advantage. It's built-in, relatively secure, users are used to its ease of use, and most already have their payment methods tied to it.
"Apple requires most developers to use in-app purchases for multiple types of transactions. It does not compete independently in the digital payment system market," Apple watcher and designer Nick Heer said on his Pixel envy blog. "Apple "The authorization means there is a lack of confidence in the goodness and familiarity of IAP to convince developers to use it."
If nothing else, it'll be interesting to see Apple finally get the same treatment as other companies. DMA is unlocking its platform bit by bit, and the biggest winners will be us users, who will ultimately have more choices and richer and more diverse software.
