EU iPhone users can finally download apps from websites

Apple released the long awaited beta iOs 17.5 to developers and it’s confirmed: the uptdate introduces support for downloading apps from websites in the European Union.

With the release of iOS 17.4, Apple adapted to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act by enabling developers to distribute their apps via alternative app marketplaces. Although Apple initially planned for these apps to be exclusive to such marketplaces, the company announced in March that it would also support direct app downloads from websites.

In the European Union, developers wishing to provide app downloads directly from websites must satisfy certain conditions. They must have been part of the Apple Developer Program for at least two consecutive years and have an app that achieved over one million initial iOS installs in the EU in the previous year. Additionally, developers are required to undergo Apple’s notarization process and disclose their data collection policies transparently.

Apple is set to introduce an API for approved developers, enabling them to distribute their apps through web downloads. For the first time, Apple is officially supporting direct web downloads, allowing functionalities like backup, restoration, updates, and more. This move opens the door for apps such as Spotify, Fortnite, and similar to be directly downloaded onto iPhones, provided their developers agree to Apple’s conditions.

Web-distributed apps won’t incur Apple commissions, though a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee applies. These downloads, following the DMA’s terms, are exclusive to the European Union and limited to iPhone use, as iPad is not included in these changes.