The European Commission recently published the preliminary findings of its investigation into Apple over App Store rules. In addition, in the same statement, the European institution announced that it started a new launch to determine whether the iOS launch was made in accordance with the standards set by the DMA.

What the European Commission discovered. First of all, the agency notes that App Store terms do not allow developers to “freely guide their customers,” but “they cannot provide pricing information within the app or otherwise communicate with their customers to promote offers.” available through alternative distribution channels”.

The commission assures that Apple only allows referrals via links, but that this process is subject to “several restrictions” and also that the collection of commissions “goes beyond what is strictly necessary.” Apple receives a commission for facilitating a customer’s initial acquisition through the App Store. So, if a user downloads the app from the App Store but makes the purchase through an external exit link, the company charges a commission for facilitating the transaction.

Preliminary results. This is what the Commission published today, having already given its opinion to Apple. It is now the company’s responsibility to defend itself and respond to the consequences. If these results are confirmed, Apple will not have complied with the DMA. However, this investigation does not prejudge the outcome, and in any case, it is now Apple’s turn to make a move. It’s a process that will probably take a long time. As Margrethe Vestager puts it:

“Our initial position is that Apple doesn’t fully allow targeting. Targeting is key to ensuring app developers are less reliant on gatekeepers in app stores and consumers are aware of better deals.”

new research. As if that wasn’t enough, the European Commission has launched a third investigation against Apple regarding new contract terms for developers. Let’s remember that Apple had to accept third-party stores and alternative distribution methods, and now the Commission wants to investigate whether the measures taken were lawful. According to the European Competition Commissioner:

“We have also filed a lawsuit against Apple regarding the so-called core technology fee and various rules that allow third-party app stores and sideloading. The developer community and consumers are eager to provide alternatives to the App Store, and we will investigate to ensure this. “Apple is not undermining these efforts.”

One of the first alternative iOS stores, Setapp | Image: Xataka

three columns. The commission’s investigation will be based on three main pillars: the Basic Technology Fee, the process of downloading and installing third-party stores and apps, and eligibility conditions for developers.

Although Apple is forced to support third-party stores, developers of those stores and those who launch their apps on those stores have to pay 50 cents for each app installed over one million installs (with some exceptions). According to Apple, this fee reflects the value developers derive from the company’s tools and platform. The Commission wishes to investigate whether these new conditions comply with the DMA.

On the other hand, it will also be investigated whether the installation process of third-party applications complies with the law. As we mentioned at Xataka, the process is extremely long and tedious, it involves several steps. This is a process that seems designed to deter the user, and in fact the Commission will be investigating not only the process itself, but also the information displayed on the screen throughout the process.

Third-party store installation process on iPhone | Captured: Xataka

Installation process of an app from a third-party store | Captured: Xataka

The third pillar is the suitability of developers to offer third-party app stores on iPhones and distribute apps over the web. One of those requirements is being a “member in good standing” of the Apple Developer Program for two consecutive years or more and having an app with more than one million first-time installs per year on iOS in the EU in the previous year. Calendar year.

And there is more. As if this were not enough, the European Commission will continue to “conduct preliminary investigations” independently of this third investigation into Apple’s “controls and reviews” of third-party applications and stores. Although Apple does not analyze third-party apps as it does on the App Store, it does conduct a notarization process to verify that the app meets certain minimums.

Apple’s position. We contacted the Cupertino company from Xataka to find out its answer. As stated by the company:

“Over the past few months, Apple has made a number of changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in response to feedback from developers and the European Commission. We are confident that our plan is compliant with the law and anticipate more to come. More than 99% of developers , will pay the same or less commission to Apple under the new commercial terms we have created. All developers doing business on the App Store in the EU have the opportunity to use the features we offer, including as we regularly do, to complete purchases of app users at very competitive prices. We will continue to listen and engage with the European Commission.”

Pictures | Xataka

in Xataka | Here is the first great alternative to the App Store: We tested Setapp on iOS and this is how it works