The Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union is set to introduce significant modifications to iOS 17.4, exclusively only for European users. These adjustments include the introduction of alternative app stores, third-party payment options, and a browser selection prompt, among other changes. Apple's official statement emphasizes the potential adverse effects on user experience resulting from these regulatory measures.
Well, if you ask my opinion about this phenomenon, i don't like it personally because it is affecting the whole iOS and iPhone's nature. I am worried about the potential security vulnerabilities. But overall, developers gonna earn hell of a lot!
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The new business terms for iOS apps in the EU have three elements:
Reduced commission — iOS apps on the App Store will pay a reduced commission of either 10 percent (for the vast majority of developers, and subscriptions following their first year) or 17 percent on transactions for digital goods and services.
Payment processing fee — iOS apps on the App Store can use the App Store’s payment processing for an additional 3 percent fee. Developers can use a payment service provider within their app or link users to their website to process payments for no additional fee to Apple.
Core Technology Fee — iOS apps distributed from the App Store and/or an alternative app marketplace will pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold.
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Changes to iOS
In the EU, Apple is making a number of changes to iOS to comply with the DMA. For developers, those changes include new options for distributing apps. The coming changes to iOS in the EU include:
New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces — including new APIs and tools that enable developers to offer their iOS apps for download from alternative app marketplaces.
New framework and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces — enabling marketplace developers to install apps and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their dedicated marketplace app.
New frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines — enabling developers to use browser engines, other than WebKit, for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences.
Interoperability request form — where developers can submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.
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Naturally, the additional choices provided for developers' EU applications pose new potential threats to both Apple users and their devices. While Apple cannot completely eradicate these risks, the company, operating within the constraints set by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), will implement measures to mitigate them. These protective measures will be active when users download iOS 17.4 or any subsequent versions starting in March, and they include:
Notarization for iOS apps — a baseline review that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform integrity and protecting users. Notarization involves a combination of automated checks and human review.
App installation sheets — that use information from the Notarization process to provide at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before download, including the developer, screenshots, and other essential information.
Authorization for marketplace developers — to ensure marketplace developers commit to ongoing requirements that help protect users and developers.
Additional malware protections — that prevent iOS apps from launching if they’re found to contain malware after being installed to a user’s device.Well, if you ask my opinion about this phenomenon, i don't like it personally because it is affecting the whole iOS and iPhone's nature. I am worried about the potential security vulnerabilities. But overall, developers gonna earn hell of a lot!
