As a result of new EU regulations compelling Apple to open up its closed ecosystem, software developers using Apple’s App Store will be able to distribute apps to EU users directly from their websites this spring, the firm announced on Tuesday.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union went into effect last week, and it mandates that Apple (AAPL.O) provide alternate app stores for iPhones and give developers the option to refuse to use its in-app payment mechanism, which levies fees of up to 30%.
“We’re providing more flexibility for developers who distribute apps in the European Union, including introducing a new way to distribute apps directly from a developer’s website,” Apple wrote on its blog.
“Apple will provide authorised developers access to APIs (application programming interfaces) that facilitate the distribution of their apps from the web, integrate with system functionality, back up and restore users’ apps, and more,” the company stated.
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Other modifications include the ability to offer a catalogue consisting only of the marketplace developer’s own apps going forward for developers who create alternative app marketplaces.
Rather than adopting Apple’s framework, developers can decide how to create in-app promos, discounts, and other deals that drive consumers to finish a transaction on their website.
Apple made these adjustments in response to competitors’ persistent criticism of the company’s lackluster compliance efforts. Companies who violate DMAs may be fined up to 10% of their worldwide sales.
Article written by Foo Yun Chee Mark Potter handled the editing.
