Apple's news today is really big, touching on the EU's Digital Markets Act and the issue of opening sideloading. Apple has finally announced changes to iOS, Safari and AppStore, and iOS 17 will be released in March4 versions. These changes include allowing developers to change the way apps are published, supporting third-party browsers as the default browser, and liberalizing NFC functionality. However, there are still some limitations and routines hidden behind these changes. These contents will be described and analyzed in detail in this article.
Apple has announced changes to iOS, Safari, and AppStore in the European Union. First, the most noticeable change is that it allows developers to change the form in which an app is published, i.e., open sideloading. This means that users are no longer limited to applying through the AppStore, but can do so directly from other app markets. This is a convenience for the user and gives the developer more freedom. This also means that Apple's AppStore may be hit to some extent, as the opening of sideloads will increase the competitiveness of other app markets.
Another important change is that the new iOS version allows users to set third-party browsers as their default browsers. In the past, all iOS browsers had to use Apple's WebKit engine, which gave Apple a monopoly in the browser market. However, in the new version, browser developers will have the option to use their own browser engine, which will give users more options.
In addition, NFC functionality has also been opened up to a certain extent. In the new iOS version, third-party financial and payment apps can also use the iPhone's NFC system, not just Apple's own official features such as ApplePay. This means that users can use their preferred payment methods more conveniently, without being limited to using the payment system provided by Apple.
However, despite Apple's announcements of these changes, there are still some limitations and routines that actually exist. First of all, Apple offers two schemes for developers to take commissions. Developers can choose to continue publishing their apps on the AppStore and pay the fees according to the original commission method. However, Apple has reduced its commission rate from 30% to 17%. For small developers, the commission rate has been reduced from 15% to 10%, which is obviously a more favorable policy. The goal is to retain developers and keep them publishing on the AppStore.
On the other hand, developers can also choose to publish their apps on the Appstore, but choose a new model. Under this new model, Apple will provide apps with a quota of 1 million free installs per year, after which developers will be charged 0. per install5 euros for "core technical fees". In addition, if the app contains in-app purchases, Apple will also take an additional commission from it, which will be between 10% and 17%. For some popular free apps, choosing this new model can lead to huge financial losses.
If a developer chooses to publish their app on a third-party app marketplace, Apple will no longer offer 1 million free installs per year. Instead, third-party marketplaces must pay 0. per install5 euros for "core technical fees". This means that every time a user is on a third-party marketplace** and installs an app, Apple will receive 1 euro in revenue. In addition, it is reported that Apple also plans to encrypt and sign iOS apps from third-party stores, and even third-party apps must be reviewed by Apple. This ensures Apple's control over the app and prevents developers from using sideloading to circumvent Apple's regulations.
These changes in Apple have sparked some controversy. Some people think that Apple made these changes just to avoid fines from the European Union, but in reality it still retains a lot of restrictions and routines. Although Apple claims that the changes will make 99% of developers more profitable, and less than 1% of developers will have to pay "core technology fees", it is still not enough to change the decision of some large companies and developers to continue publishing apps on third-party app marketplaces.
For example, Epic, a gaming company that has been in court with Apple over commissions, has said that they will release Fortnite on iOS again in Europe. In addition, the software Spotify also intends to launch new apps and subscription plans in the EU in March. These large companies choose to directly confront Apple, not afraid of Apple's restrictions and routines.
As for whether sideloading will be available in other regions, Apple said that it will not provide a similar policy for the time being. The reason for this is security concerns, but in fact Apple is more influenced by EU laws to make these changes. If similar bills emerge elsewhere, Apple will most likely be forced to take similar opening measures. But even with sideloading turned on, Apple still sets a number of restrictions in the new rules to maintain control over the app.
Apple's announcement today of open sideloading and other changes is indeed a big decision, especially since this is the first time in 16 years that Apple has made major changes to iOS, Safari, and AppStore. However, there are still some limitations and routines behind these changes, and Apple hopes to continue to control app distribution and revenue through these changes. While welcoming the reduction in developer commissions and the opening of third-party browser options, Apple has set additional fees and restrictions that make developers more inclined to continue publishing apps on the AppStore. In addition, Apple will only implement these changes for the EU region and will not offer similar policies in other regions. Despite this, some large companies and developers still choose to publish apps on third-party app marketplaces, directly challenging Apple's restrictions and routines.