Apple has once again adjusted its approach to supporting third-party software sellers on iOS devices, reflecting ongoing discussions with EU regulators. Starting later this spring, some EU developers will be able to offer iPhone apps directly from their websites, a significant change that suggests the company is open to negotiation. The idea is to provide a similar experience to downloading Mac software from developer websites, with some restrictions. Apps offered through Web Distribution must meet notarization requirements and can only be installed from a registered website domain. Developers who meet the criteria will be able to offer their software to iPhone users for direct download from their website, with some fees and restrictions. In order to achieve the right to offer their apps via Web Distribution, developers must already offer a relatively successful app, proving themselves to Apple. Apple has made it clear that it thinks the EU’s determination around side-loading of apps on iPhones will make users less secure, so it only wants to trust developers it knows. Ultimately, this means only those deriving the most success from its platforms pay an “Apple Tax,” no matter whether they distribute via Apple or through their own EU stores. This also means developers must have a certain stature, reflecting another component to Apple’s approach – it wants developers offering apps directly to iPhone users to be sufficiently well resourced to handle the other challenges of app sales: regulation, privacy, security, law enforcement, and fraud.
2024-03-17 23:00:04
Article from www.computerworld.com