iOS apps have been some of the most protected apps in the mobile world. Essentially, Apple has created a walled garden around their app store and the apps housed within. Sure, there are some app stores and websites that offer up iOS apps for jailbroken devices, but nothing officially sanctioned by Apple itself.
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Now, with big regulation changes in the European Union (EU), Apple is going to soon start allowing some iOS apps to be made available from websites outside the App Store. That is a big change, and one that Apple is most-likely not happy about. But with this change, Apple is still attempting to attach some strings.
The company is now allowing users to access and download apps from third-party app stores, and today they will make some changes for developers of iOS apps. Those who meet certain criteria will be able to let users download apps from their websites.
iOS Apps From Developer Sites
Engadget reports; “The Web Distribution option, which will be available this spring, will effectively let developers bypass the app ecosystem entirely for their own apps. To be eligible, devs will need to opt in to new App Store rules that see them pay a fee for each user install after certain thresholds and be an Apple Developer Program member that’s been in good standing for at least two years. They’ll need to “have an app that had more than one million first annual installs on iOS in the EU in the prior calendar year” among other criteria, per a support document. By setting certain rules for supporting downloads from the web, Apple will be hoping to minimize the risk that users will be installing sketchy apps, such as ones containing malware or those that support piracy.”
The EU is forcing numerous considerable changes at Apple, though I don’t suspect we will see these types of changes come to the United States anytime soon. We did get USB-C, but that was more of a supply chain and parts choice on Apple’s part. For now, Apple will remain in control of the apps that can be loaded here in the United States, even if the developers wanted to offer them on thier own websites, it’s not going to happen here. It will be interesting to see what sort of other issues arise in the European Union and if they end up being implemented here in the U.S.
What do you think? What do you think of the EU rules dictating what Apple does worldwide? Do you think governments should have that much power? Even if you disagree with Apple, is it right to force these changes? Then at what point does government intervention stop? We’d be curious to know what your feelings and thoughts were on this. You may comment by using the social media buttons below. Share on your favorite social media site and tag us on Facebook, X, MeWe, and LinkedIn. Or join our Telegram channel here.
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Last Updated on March 15, 2024.
