Apple today released the first beta of iOS 17.5 to developers. The update introduces support for downloading apps from developer websites in the European Union, as expected.
With 17.4 , Apple began allowing developers to offer their apps through alternative marketplaces in the European Union, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act. Initially, Apple had planned to limit access to apps to only those marketplaces. However, in March it announced that it would also support downloading apps directly from websites.
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To create an app that can be downloaded from a website in the European Union, developers must meet certain criteria. They must be members of the Apple Developer Program for at least two consecutive years and have created an app with more than one million installs on iOS in the European Union in the previous year. Additional requirements include submitting to Apple’s verification process and publishing transparent data collection policies.
Apple will offer authorized developers an API that allows their apps to be downloaded over the web. This way, downloaded apps can be backed up, restored, updated, and support many features.
For the first time, with the arrival of iOS 17.5, Apple is allowing apps to be downloaded directly from a website. This support will allow apps like Spotify, Fortnite, and more to be downloaded directly to iPhones if their creators agree to Apple's terms.
Applications offered through the website are not subject to a commission to Apple, but a basic technology of 0.50 euros is imposed.
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As with alternative app markets, app downloads from the site are only available in the European Union under the terms of the DMA. Note that apps can only be downloaded this way on the iPhone, as the changes do not apply to the iPad.
Source: macrumors
