iPhone: Apple allows installation of apps on developer website

iPhone users in the EU will soon be able to download and install apps directly via the developer’s website. This is intended to offer more flexibility in implementation of the Digital Market Act that recently came into force.

iPhone app via developer website

Anyone who owns an iPhone and lives within the EU will soon be able to download apps directly from the Internet from the developer’s website, Apple has now revealed in a developer update. The Digital Markets Act, which only recently came into force, stipulates that apps from alternative sources can be installed on iPhones, and Apple launched this option with iOS 17.4.

The company has now announced that it wants to offer developers more flexibility and allow them to offer their own apps within the EU directly from their own website or to use alternative app stores. This feature will be introduced with a software update later this spring.

However, for this to be permitted, app developers must fulfill a whole series of requirements. These include, for example, being part of the Apple Developer Program and being registered in the EU. Apple recently had the developer account of Epic Games blocked, but after the EU intervened, it was quickly unblocked.

In addition, providers must have been members of the developer program “in good standing” for at least two years and have an app with at least one million iOS downloads within the EU in the first year after its release.

In addition, developers must commit to disclosing information about the apps’ data collection, comply with applicable laws and follow instructions. Apps that are offered via the Web Distribution program must also be certified by Apple and can only be distributed from a website that has previously been registered with App Store Connect.