THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF APPLE
EU law makes Apple allow a choice of marketplaces and payment systems
iPHONE USERS IN the EU may soon have a choice of non–Apple app stores, browsers, and payment systems. Apple has made changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in iOS 17.4 in the EU to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires “core platform services” to be opened up to competition.
Developers can offer alternative app distribution systems and alternative payment processing systems, even completing transactions on external websites and using NFC technology in their own banking and wallet apps. Apple says, however, “the new options for processing payments and downloading apps open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats.” It is therefore introducing new safeguards, which critics say run counter to the intent of the DMA.
All iOS apps, regardless of their distribution channel, will require Notarization, “a new baseline review focused on platform integrity and protecting users.” Apps must display essential information before download in new “installation sheets”, and additional checks after installation will prevent apps from launching if they contain malware. Apps must disclose in–app when a payment is not through Apple.
BROWSER CHANGES
In iOS 17.4, users in the EU will see a new screen the first time they launch Safari, prompting them to choose a default browser from a list of the most downloaded browsers in their market. Apple warns this will get in the way of the browsing experience and confuse users “before they have the opportunity to understand the options available to them.”
More important, however, are the changes under the hood. At present, whichever browser you choose, all run on Apple’s underlying WebKit engine.
The DMA requires Apple to allow developers to use other engines, in browser apps or for in–app web access. Advocates say this will encourage innovation and faster availability of new features.
NEW FEES
Apple is again adding conditions, though, including performance standards and privacy and security requirements. These include blocking “cross–site” cookies by default.
Developers who want to use alternative marketplaces and payment processing must accept new business terms with a fee structure, but Apple estimates “more than 99%” of developers will pay less or no more than now. The biggest will face a new Core Technology Fee — 0.50 euros (about 54 cents US) per first install of an app per year over a threshold of one million first installs, with no extra charge for updates or re–installs by the same user in the same year.
Developers who stay on the App Store and use Apple IAPs can stay on their current business ter
