Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU (macrumors.com)

Article summary

Apple has announced that developers in the European Union will be able to distribute apps directly from their websites, in addition to allowing third-party app stores to offer apps solely from their own catalog. This change is part of Apple's compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. Developers who meet certain criteria, such as being a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more and having an app with more than one million first installs on iOS in the EU, will be able to distribute apps directly from their websites. The new feature will become available following a software update later in the spring.

Main themes

• Apple EU regulations
• App distribution
• Digital Markets Act
• Developer fees
• Alternative app stores
• Platform access

What commenters say

• The new policy is seen as a positive step towards giving developers more flexibility in distributing their apps, but some argue that the requirements for web distribution are too restrictive.
• The requirement for developers to pay a fee for app installation is viewed as unfair and potentially in violation of the Digital Markets Act.
• Some commenters believe that the EU's regulations are targeting large US tech companies, while others argue that the regulations are necessary to promote fair competition.
• The distinction between a platform access fee and a fee for interoperating with system APIs is seen as crucial in determining the legality of Apple's Core Technology Fee.
• There is disagreement over whether the Digital Markets Act allows for charging money for access to a regulated platform, with some arguing that it does and others claiming that it does not.
• Some argue that Apple's implementation of the new policy is an example of malicious compliance, designed to circumvent the spirit of the regulations while technically adhering to them.