That day has arrived: Apple is detailing a series of major changes to its iOS operating systems, Safari, and its app store, the App Store. These changes are specifically designed to comply with European Union regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Changes include the addition of more than 600 new application programming interfaces (APIs), expansion of application analysis tools, improvements to alternative navigation engine options, and New alternatives for payment processing and iOS app distribution.

Despite these changes, Apple has assured that it will provide additional methods to reduce, if not completely eliminate, the risks that DMA may present to EU users. This process will be called “notary approval” and the company Review the minimum security of each app, even if it is not distributed on the App Store.

Developers will have the opportunity to learn about these changes and begin testing features through the Apple Developer Support page. New features starting today in the beta version of iOS 17.4. These new features will be available to users in all 27 EU countries from March 2024.

Apple will strengthen security on iOS and App Store for EU users

To try to increase security in these alternative methods, brand will implement Notarization for iOS apps, authorization and availability of alternative payment methods for alternative marketplace developers. According to Apple, these measures aim to reduce risks and provide a safer experience for EU users, but risks will always be present.

Phil Schiller explains that these changes are aimed at complying with the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU and at the same time Protecting users’ privacy and security against the inevitable threats required by this regulation. Apple’s priority remains delivering the best possible experience both in the EU and globally.

The changes applied to apps in the EU are a direct response to the definition made by the European Commission, which sees iOS, Safari and the App Store as “essential platform services” under the DMA. In addition to these EU-specific measures, Apple also announced the addition of new options for games. streaming and the upcoming release of more than 50 additional reports on user loyalty, commerce, and app usage.

Apple’s changes to iOS for Europe

The big change we will see in iOS is where Apple will enable sideloading. Ability to create alternative stores where applications can be installed without going to the App Store. These “alternative app stores” will appear to choose when to ship an app, creating the app’s distribution and review channel.

It will not be possible to install applications directly from web pages, as in Android, using the build of the application directly: these always have to be pre-built and uploaded to alternative app stores to which the developer himself has given explicit permission to appear. These changes, aimed at developers, include new ways to distribute applications. Upcoming iOS changes for the EU include:

• New alternatives for distributing iOS applications through other app stores, which include new APIs and tools that allow developers to make their iOS apps available for download from other stores outside of the App Store.
• New development frameworks and APIs to create other app storesThis allows developers of alternative stores to install applications and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their own “stores”.
• New APIs for alternative navigation enginesIt allows developers to use engines other than WebKit for navigation apps and apps with integrated navigation experiences. Starting from iOS 17.4, the European user will be able to choose the browser to use as default during the first installation.
• Interoperability Request Formwhere developers can request additional features between iPhone and iOS hardware and software if they need them.

As announced by the European Commission, Apple is also implementing changes in line with the DMA affecting contactless payments. These include the inclusion of new APIs. enable developers to leverage NFC technology in financial and e-wallet applications across the European Economic Area. Apple is also rolling out new controls within the EU that give users the ability to choose a third-party contactless payment app or an alternative app marketplace as the default option.

Apple will provide additional security for alternative distribution channels

Although we cannot completely eliminate these risks, within the limits set by the DMA, The company will take measures to reduce these. These security measures will apply when users download iOS 17.4 or later starting in March and will include:

• Notarization for iOS Apps– A fundamental review focusing on platform integrity and user protection, applicable to all applications regardless of distribution channel. Notarization involves a combination of automated verifications and human review.
• Information about installation in applicationsThe developer uses information obtained from the notarization process to provide quick descriptions of applications and their functionality before downloading, including screenshots and other important information. That is, transparency monitoring in applications will continue to work even when the application is distributed outside the App Store, and the user will always be asked for permission before tracking their data in applications or web services.
• Authorization for store developers– Ensuring that developers creating alternative stores comply with requirements that help protect users and developers.
• Additional Malware Protections– Prevents iOS applications from running if they are detected to contain malware after being installed on the user’s device.

Apple will share more information and details when these changes go into effect in March, including more in-depth resources covering all possible options and best practices.

There are also changes in the App Store

Significant changes for app developers in the European Union will also apply to all Apple operating system platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. It aims to deliver these changes. new payment processing options To inform EU users about the risks of using alternative payment methods to the secure App Store system.

New features for developers include new options for using payment service providers within apps and enabling the processing of payments for digital goods and services. Moreover option to process payments via external links introduced, where users can complete transactions on the developer’s external website. Additionally, developers will be able to inform EU users about promotions and offers offered outside their applications; This is something that, until now, was a violation of App Store rules.

These payment changes must be appropriately noted in the Application wishing to use the Application; for example, new labels on App Store product pages that notify users when an app uses an alternative payment process. New screens to inform users when making transactions outside of Apple’s systemand new application review processes to verify the accuracy of information reported about transactions with alternative payment processors.

It expands data portability, allowing EU users to receive new data about their App Store usage and transfer it to an authorized third party. However, for apps that use alternative payment processes Apple will not be able to provide refunds or support in cases of issues, scams or scams. Additionally, helpful App Store features like “Report a Problem,” “Family Sharing,” and “Request Authorization to Purchase” will not reflect these actions.

Changes in the commission system

The changes mentioned above are also a Change in fee system for applications from European Union developers, is optional unless you choose to use current trading terms. These new terms are mandatory for apps launched in the EU to use the new distribution or alternative payment features.

The new trading terms for iOS apps in the EU include three main elements: reduced commission, payment processing fee and basic technology fee and include:

• Discounted Commission (For App Store management and use of distribution channels): iOS apps on the App Store will pay a lower commission, 10% after the first year for the majority of developers and subscriptions, or 17% for digital goods and services transactions.
• Payment Processing Fee (apps on App Store only): iOS apps on the App Store will be able to use the App Store payment processing system, which is subject to a 3% additional fee. However, developers have the option of running a payment service provider within their app or directing users to their website to pay at no additional cost to Apple.
• Basic Technology Fee (For use of Apple’s proprietary technologies and tools, developer support and services, and platform integrity) : iOS applications distributed through the App Store or another alternative application market will have to pay 0.50 euros for each first annual installation once the threshold of one million installations per year is exceeded.

So what about apps on iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS in the European Union? Developers who process payments through a Payment Service Provider or a link to their website They will receive a 3% discount on the commission they owe to Apple. Additionally, Apple will provide a fee calculation tool and new reports to help developers estimate the impact of new commercial terms on their app businesses. Developers can learn more about the changes for apps in the EU and have a chance to start testing these capabilities on the new Apple Developer Support page. iOS 17.4 is in beta today.

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