Introduction: Apple recently announced a series of significant changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store aimed at complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). The modifications cover over 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, and changes to app distribution and payment processing. These alterations are designed to align with the DMA’s requirements while introducing safeguards to mitigate new privacy and security risks.
Changes for Developers: Developers will have new options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces, including APIs and tools for this purpose. A framework and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces will empower marketplace developers to manage updates on behalf of other developers. Additionally, new frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines will allow developers to use engines other than WebKit. Developers can also submit interoperability requests to enhance compatibility with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features. Apple is introducing DMA-compliant changes to contactless payments, allowing developers to use NFC technology in banking and wallet apps.
Safeguards Against Risks: The article highlights potential risks associated with new options for processing payments and downloading apps, such as malware, fraud, scams, and harmful content. Apple addresses these concerns with protections, including Notarization for iOS apps, authorizations for marketplace developers, and disclosures on alternative payments.
Changes for Users: The focus is on delivering the best, most secure experience for EU users. Protections include Notarization for iOS apps, providing users with at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before download, and authorizations for marketplace developers. The article acknowledges that while these safeguards reduce some privacy and security risks, others, like scams and exposure to objectionable content, may still persist.
Timeline for Changes: Developers can learn about these changes on the Apple Developer Support page and test new capabilities in the iOS 17.4 beta. The new capabilities are expected to be available to users in the 27 EU countries beginning in March 2024.
Developer Resources: The article emphasizes Apple’s commitment to providing resources for developers to understand the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution, payment processing, browser engines, and contactless payments. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the existing business terms if they prefer.
Designation by European Commission: The changes for EU apps align with the European Commission’s designation of iOS, Safari, and the App Store as “core platform services” under the Digital Markets Act.
Additional Announcements: Apple also announced new options for streaming games and more than 50 forthcoming reports in areas like engagement, commerce, and app usage for developers’ apps worldwide.
Detailed Changes to iOS: The article details the specific changes to iOS, including new options for distributing apps, frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines, and an interoperability request form. The DMA-compliant changes impacting contactless payments are also explained, including new APIs enabling developers to use NFC technology in banking and wallet apps throughout the European Economic Area.
Challenges and Safeguards: The new options for developers’ EU apps create new risks, and while Apple cannot eliminate these risks entirely, it is committed to taking steps to reduce them. Safeguards like Notarization for iOS apps and authorizations for marketplace developers aim to protect users from potential threats.
Changes to Safari: In compliance with DMA requirements, users in the EU will encounter a new choice screen when opening Safari in iOS 17.4 or later, prompting them to choose a default browser from a list of options. The article discusses the implications of this change on user experience.
Changes to the App Store: The App Store will see changes affecting developers with apps in the EU across various Apple operating systems. Developers will have new options for using payment service providers (PSPs) within their apps and processing payments via link-out. Business planning tools will assist developers in estimating fees and understanding metrics associated with Apple’s new business terms. New protections and disclosures for EU users include App Store product page labels, in-app disclosure sheets, new App Review processes, and expanded data portability.
New Business Terms for Apps in the EU: Apple introduces new business terms for developers’ apps in the EU, which include reduced commission rates, payment processing fees, and a Core Technology Fee. Developers can choose to adopt these new business terms or remain on Apple’s existing terms, and the article provides an infographic stating that 99% of developers would reduce or maintain fees under the new terms.
Conclusion: The article concludes by reiterating Apple’s commitment to complying with the DMA’s requirements, protecting user privacy and security, and providing the best possible experience for users in the EU and around the world. It emphasizes that the changes aim to address the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats brought about by the DMA. Apple plans to share more detailed resources in March to help EU users navigate the complexities introduced by the DMA’s changes.
Here is the original press release from Apple.