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Earlier in March, Apple released the iOS 17.4 version with support for sideloading apps, in compliance with the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The update allowed iPhone users to install apps from alternative app marketplaces. Now, the company has released the iOS 17.5 beta 2 update. It allows developers to distribute their apps over the web as well.
iOS 17.5 beta users in the EU can now download apps directly from websites
The iPhone users in the EU running the iOS 17.5 beta 2 update can download apps directly from websites. This sideloading of apps on the iPhones is on top of the third-party app stores. So, iPhone users in the EU don’t need to go through the App Store or any other store to install apps. They can directly visit the qualified developer’s website to download their applications.
After pressing the install button on a website, the iPhone users will see a system sheet. It will show the app name, developer name, description of the app, and relevant screenshots. While installing they will need to grant permission for that developer to install apps. It’s worth mentioning that apps sideloaded from websites can also be backed up, restored, and updated, just like the App Store.
As of now, only iPhone users are allowed to download and install apps from the websites. Downloading apps from websites isn’t yet available on the iPads. Also, this functionality is limited for users in the European Union, not anywhere else in the world. The new feature will be available to all iPhone users in the EU with the stable iOS 17.5 update soon.
Developers need to meet specific criteria to offer their apps via websites
It’s worth noting that not all developers will be able to distribute their apps directly from websites. Only these apps that were downloaded more than one million times in the EU in the prior year are eligible. Also, the apps to be offered from the websites must go through Apple’s notarization process.
In addition, the app developers are required to be members of the Apple Developer Program for at least two continuous years. Thanks to the new policy, the developers will not be required to pay up to a 30 percent App Store fee. However, they will still need to pay for a Core Technology Fee of €0.5.
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