Apple Introduces Web Distribution Service for EU Developers with iOS 17.5 Beta 2 Update
Apple announced last month its new Web Distribution service for developers in the EU region, in accordance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. Alongside today’s release of iOS 17.5 Beta 2 update, this distribution method officially goes live.
According to the DMA regulations, developers can now distribute their applications directly through their websites, in addition to the App Store and third-party app stores, making it the third distribution option available to EU developers.
Here’s the official update from Apple, as provided by IT Home:
“Web Distribution” Now Available in iOS 17.5 Beta 2 and App Store Connect
With the “Web Distribution” feature, authorized developers can distribute iOS apps directly to European Union (EU) users through their own websites.
If developers meet specific requirements aimed at safeguarding user and platform integrity, Apple will grant them access to API interfaces, enabling them to distribute apps via the web, integrate with system functionalities, and back up and restore user apps.
For Developers:
- Selecting New App Store Business Terms
Developers must choose the new App Store business terms. This means that if the method of distributing applications via web downloads has exceeded 1 million downloads in the past 12 months, there will be a “core technology fee” of €0.50 for each additional download.
- Compliance with Apple Guidelines
Applications can only be installed through website domains registered by developers in App Store Connect. Apple will also provide developers with a wide range of APIs for integrating system functionalities.
For Users:
When users download an application from a developer’s website for the first time, they will see a series of on-screen prompts explaining what granting developers the ability to install applications from their website entails.
After verifying their identity using Face ID and agreeing to grant developers permission to install the application, users will go through the three-step installation process for the application itself.
Apple’s notarization system means that users will see clear information about the application and its purpose, including the application name, developer name, application description, screenshots, and system age ratings.
It’s worth noting that users only need to grant permission to install applications from each developer once.
For example, if Meta Corporation launches web distribution in the EU, users will need to grant permission the first time they download an application from Meta Corporation (e.g., Facebook). Subsequent installations of other applications from Meta Corporation (e.g., Instagram) will not require authorization again; users can install them using standard application installation steps.
Source: IT Home