Apple has announced some additional policy changes that will give EU iOS app developers more freedom. For example, they will be able to distribute their programs directly through their site, independently choose how promotions will appear inside applications, etc.

Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 17.4, which brings support for third-party app stores with the platform’s own apps, as well as a third-party product catalog. It’s now possible to create stores just to distribute your apps. For example, a game studio might create an iOS app store that only offers its own products.

Developers will now be able to choose how to design promotions, discounts, and other offers in their apps by sending users to their sites to complete transactions. Starting March 12, developers won’t have to follow Apple’s proprietary template to create promotions.

Additionally, developers will be able to distribute apps directly from their sites, provided they meet certain Apple criteria. These criteria include having participated in the Apple Developer Program for two years or more, as well as having a product developer with more than 1 million iOS installations in the European Union in the previous year. Developers must also comply with Apple’s privacy requirements when collecting and processing user data. Apps distributed this way must meet Apple’s requirements like other iOS apps and can only be distributed from sites registered with App Store Connect.

Competent developers facilitate the process of distributing applications over the Internet, as well as providing support for system functions, backup, data recovery, etc. will have access to a special API that will facilitate integration with year Thus, for the first time, Apple will allow downloading software products for iOS directly from sites.