Apple will allow web downloading of apps to iPhone, but with restrictions

Apple will let you install apps on your iPhone over the web, the company announced in documents published this Tuesday (12). Although more flexible, the new distribution method requires the developer to meet very strict criteria and will be exclusive to European residents.

By allowing applications to be distributed over the web, Apple eliminates need to use an alternative app store to avoid the App Store. However, developers will need to comply with the manufacturer’s criteria and make the program available on the same domain registered in App Store Connect.

To distribute applications on the web, the developer must:

• Become part of the registered Apple Developer Program in Europe;
• Be a regular member of the developer program for at least two years;
• If you have an app that was downloaded more than a million times in the previous year;
• Deliver apps from developer account;
• Take responsibility for communicating with Apple about applications distributed on the web, in particular fraudulent, abusive or illegal behavior;
• Publish transparent data collection policies and give users control over the use and collection of user data;
• To comply with local legislation such as the Digital Services Act or the General Data Protection Regulation;
• Be responsible for complying with government and other requests to remove app listings.

Just like on Android, HE Downloading apps from the web requires user permission. The consumer must approve the web installation of applications in the iPhone settings and will be able to check information registered on the Apple platform, such as the developer’s name, author, tool description, screenshots and age, before starting the download. evaluation.

Strict criteria

Although Apple allows the distribution of applications over the web, the requirements that developers must meet are quite strict, pushing many competitors out of the industry.

In any case, the ability to distribute applications over the web opens up more avenues for developers within the Apple ecosystem. By not needing an app store as an intermediary, programmers won’t have to make agreements with third-party platforms and can use their own websites to promote their products.

Since this change aims to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in force in Europe, innovation may not reach other regions.