iOS 17.4 Introduces Alternative App Marketplaces With No Commission in EU

[inuragon]

I am not understanding the default web browser option. You have been able to assign a different default browser for a few years now. Am I missing something?

heard it means there will be browsers with different engine instead of every browser using webkit

 

[AppleTO]

So, basically you still won’t be able to install apps directly. They need to come from an approved app marketplace. I’m guessing that these marketplace apps will have to be downloaded from the official App Store.

 

[AppleTO]

Couple other things I’m wondering:

-What would happen if you deleted the marketplace app after downloading apps from it?
-How would app updates be handled on these alternative app stores? I’m assuming there will be a framework for this.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Sounds like Apple is relinquishing some control, contrary to recent articles stating otherwise!

Also, game streaming apps are now allowed! Here comes Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS and AVP!

I wish these changes were all coming to the US and elsewhere, but I bet it’ll happen within 2 years.

Third party browser engines is a huge deal. As of now, I couldn’t use iOS or AVP as a primary work platform as my job requires a desktop version of Chrome. Again — hope it comes to the US.

And yet you're STILL restricted in using iOS as a desktop-like OS :
No without AppleTV lol I just can't lol.
not without proper keyboard mouse and projection support.

 

[Rogifan]

The simplest reason is because Apple made iOS that way, which is why they are allowed to keep it that way as well. US antitrust law is also on Apple's side in that Apple is well within their rights to monetise their IP, and more importantly, does not have a duty to deal (which means that Apple is free to deny access to developers who fail to meet their terms). It's really the same logic as Nintendo or Sony creating a console platform where all games sold have to go through their App Store and they take a 30% cut. Why can't the epic game store also be made available on my switch? Because Nintendo says so. There really isn't a need for any other justification. Their platform, their rules.

That Nintendo deals solely with games while the iPhone is an integral part of one's life is irrelevant. Or at least, that distinction has not been enough to get regulators in the US to budge just yet.

The judges have also decided that they are not going to dictate how much Apple can or should reasonably charge because honestly, that's beyond their jurisdiction.

There really isn't any explanation needed, IMO.

That’s just a long way of saying because Apple says so.

 

[Abazigal]

That’s just a long way of saying because Apple says so.

Which has always been the case as per US antitrust law, and which plenty of people seem to have problems understanding, much less accepting.

I have stated numerous times back when Epic sued Apple why I believe Epic would lose the lawsuit, and the recent conclusion of said lawsuit pretty much validated everything I said. Even if Apple is a monopolist, they are still entitled to monetise their IP, and they have no duty to deal with any other company. Just about everything Apple has done with regard to how they operate the App Store is in accordance with US law.

Whatever misgivings you, or anyone here, has on this matter doesn't change the law, unless the law itself changes. I get that my stance is unpopular, and maybe that's where our paths diverge. I am more interested in making statements that are right than I am about making statements rooted in ideology.

 

[inuragon]

Which has always been the case as per US antitrust law, and which plenty of people seem to have problems understanding, much less accepting.

Luckily EU doesn't follow US laws. (Not that US themselves follow them always, but that's besides the point)

 

[Antwan86]

Eagerly awaiting to see if the UK is included in this now we’ve left the EU.

No chance

 

[MacFarmer]

Apple is reducing their cut to 17%. It’s almost like competition is good for the consumer.

Apple is lowering developer’s fees from 30% down to 17% thanks to this EU move…
Let’s speak about benefits from competition

dude, don't forget there are other taxes on top of this! So in the end there is more that you paying than compared to old order.

This is just beautiful stuff

 

[Starscape]

Apple today announced major changes to its app ecosystem in the European Union, implementing updates that will allow iPhone and iPad users to download and install apps outside of the App Store through alternative app marketplaces.

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Alternative app marketplaces will function as an iOS app that is able to install other iOS apps on an iPhone or iPad. Any developer can create an app marketplace, so long as they meet Apple's criteria for customer experience, fraud prevention, customer support, and more. Apple is creating new APIs to build marketplaces on iOS to distribute apps to users.

In the EU, when an app developer submits an app to Apple for distribution, they can choose the App Store or any alternative app marketplaces. This includes distribution through multiple alternative app marketplaces or through both the App Store and an app marketplace.

Apps installed through alternative app stores will need to go through a notarization process that includes safety and security checks, which is how Mac apps work.

Apple will not charge a commission on apps installed through alternative marketplaces, nor will it charge commission for alternative payment systems, which are also allowed under the App Store updates in the European Union. Developers can integrate an alternative payment processor into their app that allows a user to make a purchase and check out entirely in an app, or developers can link out to their websites where users can make a purchase.

While there are no commissions for alternative app marketplaces and alternative payment systems, there is a Core Technology Fee that is .50 euros per install per account on an annual basis. The first 1 million installs are free for all developers, but after 1 million installs, the fee comes into play.

App developers who choose to continue to distribute under the App Store will pay Apple reduced commission with the new terms. Apple is dropping the 30 percent commission to 17 percent, and the 15 percent commission paid for subscriptions over a year old or by small businesses will drop to 10 percent. Apple says the vast majority of apps will qualify for the 10 percent rate.

Developers have a choice between opting into the new business terms in the EU or sticking with the App Store terms as they are today. Developers who choose to maintain the status quo will pay the fees they pay now -- 15 to 30 percent commission.

Developers who opt for the updated business terms will pay the reduced commissions, will have access to alternative app stores, and will also be subject to the Core Technology Fee. There is an also optional 3 percent payment processing fee for those who choose to continue to use Apple's integrated payment system rather than an alternative payment system under the new terms.

Apple's Core Technology Fee will be paid annually, and Apple says that the fee reflects the value that developers get from Apple's tools and platform. Apps distributed by government agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions will be exempt from the Core Technology Fee. To help developers decide between the existing policies and the new system, Apple is providing a fee calculator and analytics report for the first annual install metric.

Apple believes that allowing for alternative app installations will bring a major risk to platform integrity, but the measures that it is taking with notarization are aimed at reducing the risk of malware and other issues as much as possible. Apple's automated notarization checks will scan for known viruses and malware, plus there will be a baseline human review to ensure an app meets platform policies for security and privacy.

Unlike App Store review, notarization will not enforce quality or content standards.There will be a system sheet for a notarized app that displays the app's name, screenshots, and more so that a user can verify an app's information before choosing to install it.

Users will be able to install multiple app marketplace apps, and they will need to give permission before an app marketplace can install apps on a device. There is a management system in the Settings app that allows users to revoke permissions for app marketplaces and also, set a default app marketplace on their device.

There are other changes coming as well. Users in the European Union will have an option to choose a default browser after updating to iOS 17.4, with Apple providing a list of the most downloaded browsers.

Apple is giving app developers in the EU access to NFC and allowing for alternative browser engines, so WebKit will not be required for third-party browser apps. Apps will be able to offer NFC payments without using Apple Pay or the Wallet app through Host Card Emulation. Apps can also access field detect, and a default app can be set to activate when an iPhone is placed near a terminal.

App Store rules around iCloud gaming are being updated globally to make it easier for users to download and enjoy games.

Developers worldwide have access to expanded analytics, with more than 50 new reports on commerce, user engagement, and more. Data is still anonymized, but developers will have more information to work with.

Apple is making these changes to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which tech companies need to adhere to by March 6, 2024. iOS 17.4 is coming out as a beta update today, and it is set to see a public release in March.

Article Link: iOS 17.4 Introduces Alternative App Marketplaces With No Commission in EU

Core Technology Fee?? €.50 per install? So, if an app is downloaded 500,000 times, the developers will need to pay Apple €.250,000? Sure sounds like an Apple commission masquerading as a vague junk fee.