This month of March is key to adopting the measures that the European Union and the Digital Markets Act have requested from Apple. With iOS 17.4, the company also put on the table the security measures it would take for Apps distributed in alternative app stores.
Today Apple announces several additional measures: two of them, of immediate application, refer to the type of applications that can be offered in an alternative store and the way in which developers link to the offers in their payments outside of the App Store. The third, which will come into force in the spring, is even more important and refers to a new way to distribute applications without having to be in an alternative store.
UA developers will be able to offer the applications directly from their website.
In an upcoming software update scheduled for spring, Apple will offer developers a new option to distribute their iOS apps to users in the European Union. This web distribution will allow authorized developers submit your applications directly from a website you own, thus eliminating the exclusive dependence on the App Store or even an alternative store. The idea behind this is to easily download the signed binaries that make up the application, using App Store Connect and host them directly on your website for distribution.
Developers will be able to distribute applications directly from their website, after legalization by Apple to verify their security
The developers must meet criteria established by Apple and they must commit to meeting certain requirements on an ongoing basis in order to access this role. This includes integration with services – which the company will provide – that facilitate web-based distribution, backup and restoration of users’ applications. However, it is important to note that applications offered via web distribution must also comply with notarization requirements to ensure the security and integrity of the platform. That is, they will benefit from the same minimum security that Apple offers to alternative stores and the same price reduction. Apple has just published a support site for developers wishing to use this distribution method.
For users, the app installation experience from the developers’ websites will be relatively simple. They will need to allow the developer to install apps in their iPhone settings. Upon installation, they will receive detailed information about the app, such as its name, description provided by the developer, screenshots, and system age. The idea behind this is that the user is always aware of what they are installing and from where.
What are the requirements to be able to offer an iOS application via the web?
Apple has established the conditions for developers to be able to offer their applications directly from their website in the European Union, without going through the App Store or an alternative application store. First, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program as an organization, domiciled and/or registered in the European Union (or have a legal subsidiary incorporated, domiciled and/or registered in the EU that is listed on App Store Connect). The location associated with the legal entity must be registered in the Apple Developer Account.
Additionally, you must be an active member of the Apple Developer Program for at least two consecutive years and have an app that has exceeded 1 million annual installs on iOS in the EU in the previous year.
Finally, when opting for web distribution, the developer must agree to respect a series of conditions, including only offering applications from their developer account, maintaining communication with Apple regarding applications distributed through this means, publishing policies transparent about data collection and giving users control over its use. They also remind developers that must comply with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where they operatebeing responsible for responding to government requests and other requests to remove from lists of apps that may violate local laws.
Additional changes to provide more options for developers
With the release of iOS 17.4, app developers are allowed to create alternative stores that include both their own apps and those of other developers. Now, in addition, the possibility has been added to allow developers to choose the design of promotions and discounts when asking users to transact on their websites, thus making the design templates provided by Apple no longer mandatory .
This measure offers developers more flexibility in the presentation of offers and promotions, but there are also requirements to respect. These measures are designed to protect user privacy and security, prevent scams and fraudulent activities, and ensure the overall quality of user experience. Among these conditions, it is worth highlighting that the link provided in the application must point directly to the developer’s website, without redirects or intermediate pages.
Apple will offer recommendations for promotional communication, but its models will not be mandatory
It is essential that the link is statically defined in the application file before submitting it to the App Store (should not be editable at runtime), and that it is accompanied by precise information about the digital goods and services available on the developer’s website. Additionally, it is prohibited to include information about external purchases on the App Store product page, as well as link to the website to make purchases from there. Any digital goods or services sold on the website after the external link and promoted for use in an app should be available only from the application itself.
In case the app engages in deceptive marketing practices such as Phishing, scams or fraud, Apple will take action: including removal of the app from the App Store and possible expulsion from the Apple Developer Program. These regulations seek to guarantee the integrity and security users and the iOS application ecosystem.
Pictures | Photos by Nubelson Fernandes, Igor Miske, James Harrison, Daria Nepriakhina
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