Apple has made new concessions following pressure from the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple continues to make concessions following pressure from the Digital Markets Act (DMA). As a reminder, Apple has opened the App Store and iOS in an unprecedented way, but this opening is accompanied by a controversial new system.
Developers who choose to distribute their apps outside of the App Store are subject to additional fees. If they decide to do without the App Store payment system, they will be forced to pay a basic technology fee (Core Technology Fee) to Apple, i.e. 0.50 euros per new installation beyond the first million, annually. They also adhere to a new commission system,
New compromises and rules
Lately, Apple has made some new compromises by introducing new rules. Among these, a functionality of Web distribution will launch later this spring. This feature will allow developers to offer their applications for direct download from their website. This means that iPhone users will be able to download an app from a developer’s website without going through the App Store or any other app distribution platform.
They will also be able to link to an external web page to complete a transaction for digital goods or services. Moreover, developers will be able to design promotions, discounts and other offers without following Apple’s models and guidelines.
Apple further clarified that alternative app stores can also be used by publishers to distribute their applications, and exclusively their applications. Meta, for example, can decide to only distribute Threads, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp on its store.
These changes represent a step forward, or a compromise depending on where you stand, for iPhone developers and users. However, in order to take advantage of the opportunity to take advantage of these new rules, publishers must adhere to the much-criticized new system.