Apple has updated its policies for apps from alternative app stores, the App Store and browser Safari to comply with the Digital Markets Act. The tech giant is doing this to minimize the risks of the new European legislation for customers. All the changes take effect with the arrival of iOS 17.4.
Apple and the EU have long disagreed over the EU-imposed DMA. This European law is supposed to break big tech companies’ potentially unfair competitive position in the 27 member states. The DMA considers the App Store, iOS mobile operating system and Safari “core services” that must comply with the legislation.
The tech giant has now decided to comply with the European laws and regulations coming into effect in March this year. As its main reason, Apple wants to protect European users from the inevitable privacy and security threats posed by the DMA.
For Apple, the priority would be to provide the best and most secure experiences for users in the EU and around the world.
Alternative app stores now possible
Now Apple is changing the App Store, iOS and Safari in the EU. The main change Apple is making is the ability to offer apps for iOS from an alternative app store to its App Store or from provider websites. However, these alternative app stores must meet a series of obligations from the tech giant. With this, Apple still wants to maintain control over the apps and protect its users.
All apps from alternative app stores are subject to a “basic inspection,” such as in the area of privacy. This is done partly by automation and partly by Apple employees. The app stores must also be approved by Apple, in part – suggests 9to5mac – by a “letter of credit” of 1 million euros from an A-rated financial institution.
Before users download an app from an alternative app store, they are shown a message with developer info, screenshots and other necessary information. Furthermore, there is security that prevents apps from being opened with malware.
Alternative payment methods
Apple is also making drastic changes to comply with the DMA in its App Store. Importantly, in addition to Apple’s payment system, developers can offer other payment systems or redirect users to their websites. This issue, for example, in the Netherlands, has been under discussion for years.
Developers who distribute their apps through the App Store will now pay a 10 per cent commission and 17 per cent for providing digital goods and services. Another 3 per cent commission will be added if they use Apple’s payment system. Developers offering alternative methods or link to their websites will pay no commission.
However, developers who use both the App Store and an alternative app store must pay a fee of 50 cents per app installed annually for popular apps with more than 1 million downloads.
Developers of apps for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS in the EU who use alternative payment methods or link to their website will receive a 3 per cent discount on the commission they must pay to Apple.
All developers must agree to the tech giant’s terms whether they use alternative payment methods or not.
Safari no longer default browser
Finally, the tech giant is also making a change within iOS for its Safari browser. Although other options are also possible, this browser is now the default browser. Soon, however, they will be shown a drop-down screen from which they can choose their preferred default browser.
Apple’s changes to comply with the DMA will be made in the upcoming iOS update to iOS 17.4, which will roll out in March of this year, in line with the European law coming into effect in the same month.
Also read: Apple to charge a premium for alternative payment methods in App Store
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