Apple Inc recently announced three noteworthy updates focused on benefiting European Union developers. These involve enabling the direct distribution of apps from websites and increased customization of in-app promotions, potentially expanding consumer reach.
Developers no longer need to be solely reliant on the App Store for distribution. The freedom to directly distribute apps from their personal websites grants developers increased visibility. Alongside this, the layer of promotion customization allows developers to target their audience more effectively.
While specific details about additional updates have not been fully revealed by Apple yet, they aim to offer developers more flexibility and control. The implementation timeline for these eagerly anticipated updates remains unknown.
Under new EU laws, Apple permits third-party app developers to display collections from different Apple app developers. This policy shift allows game developers to create exclusive app stores on iOS featuring only their games.
Developers also have the option to manage the layout and design of in-app promotions from their websites, as guidelines have been revised. Using Apple’s design templates for such promotions is now optional.
Another significant update enables developers to distribute apps directly from their websites, if they fulfil certain criteria set by Apple. These include maintaining privacy standards and meeting European regulations, among others. While these new policies have faced criticism, Apple maintains that they provide better security and a broader range of apps.
Apps distributed directly from developers’ websites will share the same notarization requirements as regular iOS apps. They can only be installed from a registered domain. Developers approved by Apple will gain access to APIs that facilitate web-based distributions and other functionalities. In coming months, Apple aims to launch web-based app distribution, providing a unique platform for developers while ensuring user satisfaction.
These updates are restricted to the EU according to the Digital Markets Act. The new app distribution scheme has sparked conversations among Apple users, mainly due to potential confusion and fraud risks. These changes will take place with iOS 17, sparking excitement among both developers and users who are keen to explore new possibilities.
