Apple has recently revealed significant changes coming to iOS, Safari, and the App Store specifically for users in the European Union (EU). These changes, set to be implemented with the release of iOS 17.4 in March, aim to provide users with more options and enhance their overall experience. Let’s delve into the details of these updates.
Apple allows to Change Default Browser
Browsing on iOS will witness a major transformation. Currently, users can select a default browser other than Safari, but these browsers are required to use Safari’s WebKit rendering engine. However, Apple is now allowing any browser to use its own rendering engine, providing users with more freedom and choice. Additionally, after installing iOS 17.4, EU iPhone owners will be presented with a browser choice screen the first time they open Safari, enabling them to select their preferred browser.
Third party App Store in iOS
One of the most significant changes is Apple’s decision to allow alternative app stores on iOS. While this opens up new opportunities for developers and users, Apple emphasizes the need for user safety. As a result, the company will conduct a baseline review for all apps, regardless of their distribution channel. This review process will involve automated checks and human review, resulting in at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before download.
Apple will also authorize these “marketplace developers” to ensure ongoing requirements that protect users and app developers. Additionally, Apple will implement additional protections to prevent iOS apps containing malware from launching. However, it’s important to note that Apple acknowledges its limitations in addressing risks such as scams, fraud, abuse, and objectionable content with the new provisions.
Tap to Pay in more apps
Apple will also introduce changes to its payment services. In the EU, FC (Field Communication) will be opened up on iPhones, allowing alternative wallet and banking apps to utilize tap-to-pay functionality and be set as the default method for mobile payments. Moreover, the App Store will offer new options for developers to use payment service providers within their apps.
There will also be options for processing payments via link-out, where users can complete transactions for digital goods and services on the developer’s external website. Users will be informed when an app they’re downloading uses alternative payment processing, ensuring transparency and choice. Apple will also verify that developers accurately communicate this information through a new app review process.
New Charges on transaction
Regarding fees, iOS apps on the App Store in the EU will pay a commission of either 10% or 17% on transactions for digital goods and services, depending on the developer’s circumstances. There will also be a 3% payment processing fee for apps that choose to use the App Store’s payment processing. Additionally, there will be a “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 per first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold for apps distributed from the App Store and alternative app marketplaces. Apple estimates that 99% of developers will see reduced or maintained fees, while less than 1% will be subject to the Core Technology Fee.
Developers utilizing iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS in the EU will receive a 3% discount on the commission owed to Apple if they process payments using a third-party or link out to their website.
For Developers
Apple is also introducing new options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces, providing developers with new APIs and tools to offer their apps for download. Furthermore, new frameworks and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces and browser engines will enable developers to use different browser engines for browser apps and in-app browsing experiences.
Apple is also give a fee calculator tool and new reports to help developers estimate the potential impact of the new business terms on their app businesses.
To facilitate communication and address developer requests, Apple will introduce an interoperability request form, allowing developers to submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.
Changes to Apart form EU
All of these big changes will be available only in EU and if you are not from EU there are little changes like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now will be available on App Store.
Conclusion
In terms of Safari, iOS users can already set a third-party web browser as their default. In compliance with the DMA’s requirements, Apple will introduce a new choice screen when users first open Safari in iOS 17.4 or later. This screen will prompt EU users to choose a default browser from a list of options, providing them with more control over their browsing experience.
On the App Store, Apple will implement various changes affecting developers with apps in the EU across its operating systems. These changes include new disclosures to inform EU users about the risks associated with using alternatives to the App Store’s secure payment processing.
Apple’s upcoming changes aim to enhance user choice, privacy, and security within the EU. By allowing alternative app stores, providing more payment options, and enabling browser engine flexibility, Apple is striving to create a more diverse and user-centric ecosystem.
And last we can hope for these changes come to all over the world like Type-C came.
