Starting today, iPhone application developers can offer direct downloading of apps from their website in European Union countries. This option is available in the beta (test) version of the iOS 17.5 operating system, which will reach the public probably in the middle of next month. This alternative download can be done without going through the official Apple store, the App Store, or the other alternative app markets, another option that the Californian company opened in January after the entry into force of the Digital Markets Law ( DMA) of the European Union.
Despite Apple’s less control over software downloaded from third-party platforms, “all iOS apps distributed must meet notarization requirements,” in the words of an Apple spokesperson. The company requires developers to verify their identity and provide a way to communicate with them. Apple testers will perform a series of checks to ensure that the software cannot compromise iPhone security and that it adequately supports privacy features without attempting to circumvent them.
Alternative application stores are another new way to install apps on the iPhone, a change that was opened on March 6 with the iOS 17.4 update and that some platforms will offer in the near future. Apple allows developers to choose how to run app promotions, discounts and offers from their own website. Starting with iOS 17.5, when the user downloads an app from a website, if it is the first time doing so, they will have to approve the developer in the operating system settings. The following steps will be very similar to downloads from the App Store, with authorization to the application conditions.
A company spokesperson said: “Apple will verify that apps distributed over the web meet the basic security standards our users expect to help ensure the integrity of their device is protected. We believe we have built the best system we can to “try to protect users from the security threats inherent in third-party uploads while still complying with the DMA.” “It is a simple and easy process, and one that many users will recognize,” he added.
