Apple announced a few days ago many upcoming changes within the iOS ecosystem, in order to comply with the requirements of the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). Few actors seem convinced… After Epic Games and Spotify, it’s Microsoft’s turn to speak out to criticize the new App Store policy.
Aiming to combat unfair practices, the DMA requires platforms considered as access controllers, like the App Store, to open up to competition. Reluctantly, the apple brand presented a whole bunch of measures to comply with the law, the application of which will begin on March 7. These include the integration of third-party application stores, alternative payment systems and above all, the introduction of new pricing rules…
The president of Xbox gets involved
It is this last point which particularly annoys developers. Tim Sweeney, head of Epic Games, described Apple’s initiative as ” sneaky example of malicious compliance “. A ” prank call », According to Spotify, which wrote a blog post to criticize the Cupertino company’s measures. “ Although they have behaved badly for years, their arrogance is now reaching a whole new level », criticizes the Swedish giant.
The Apple brand has proposed a new basic fee for applications that will be accessible via third-party stores. They will have to pay 50 euro cents for each annual installation after 1 million downloads. Apple will also continue to charge a 17% commission on in-app purchases made with a payment alternative.
The pill is also having trouble getting through to Redmond. In a post on X.com, formerly Twitter, Xbox president Sarah Bond believes that “ Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction “. This reaction does not come out of nowhere, Microsoft is discreetly preparing an Xbox games store for mobile, which could potentially be offered on iOS. In her publication, Sarah Bond invites Apple to “ working towards a more inclusive future for all “.
Cloud gaming comes to iOS
Apple has also paved the way for cloud gaming on iOS. “ Developers can now offer a single application capable of streaming all the games offered in their catalog », Specified the company. Good news for Microsoft, which is betting big on Xbox Game Pass. The exit of Sarah Bond could nevertheless cast a chill in the relations of the two giants.
Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, explained that Brussels will evaluate the solutions proposed by Apple “ from March 7 “. In the event of a breach of the DMA, the Commission will be ready to “take strong measures“.
Source : The Verge
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