After numerous meetings with representatives of the European Commission, Apple announced yesterday that next March, when it releases the update to its iOS 17.4 operating system, app developers will be able to sell iPhone applications outside of the App Store, which For 15 years it has been the only platform from which software could be installed on the Apple company’s mobile phones. The measure is motivated by the EU Digital Markets law. The installation of apps from third-party stores, which Apple itself will oversee to a certain extent, is not the only change. The iPhone will initially offer web browsers other than Safari, and its NFC detection system for payments will also open to applications other than the Apple Pay system.
According to Apple, “new options for processing payments and downloading apps on iOS open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other threats to privacy and security.” For this reason, the Californian company will protect to a certain extent the apps that do not go through its store, in a process it calls “notarization” for apps, which will mean de facto authorization for those who promote an external store.
Apple’s control will include a basic review of the apps so that they comply with policies such as informing users about the permissions they will require to be installed.
Apple’s control over apps external to its store includes the reference review that it now applies to all apps and that is “focused on the integrity of the platform and the protection of users.”
The iPhone company assures that it is committed to “protecting the privacy, security and quality of the iOS user experience in the EU to the extent possible.”
The fact that Apple provides some services to apps that come from platforms other than its own will imply the payment of a basic technology fee that consists of 0.50 euros for each first annual installation that exceeds one million users. This fee is also paid by those who go through the App Store, who also pay commissions that will now be reduced, either 10% (for the vast majority of developers and for subscriptions after their first year) or 17% on transactions of digital goods and services, regardless of the payment chosen.
Apple estimates that with the new conditions more than 99% of developers will reduce or maintain the fees they pay now and that less than 1% of developers will pay the basic technology fee. Now, 88% of developers do not pay for the apps they sell in the EU, 9% pay 15% and only 3%, who bill large volumes, pay 20%.