Highlights

• Apple introduces over 600 new APIs and alternative app payment and distribution methods in the EU.
• Enhanced security measures, including Notarization and authorization for marketplace developers, to safeguard EU users.
• Developers gain tools for alternative app marketplaces and non-WebKit browser engine use.
• Changes to Safari and App Store include new choice screens and payment processing options.

In a significant move to align with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has announced sweeping changes across its key services: iOS, Safari, and the App Store.

These updates, primarily focused on enhancing developer capabilities and user choice, are poised to reshape the tech landscape in the EU.

Notably, the changes encompass the introduction of over 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, and alternative options for app payments and distribution.

“The changes we’re announcing today comply with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements in the European Union, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings. Our priority remains creating the best, most secure possible experience for our users in the EU and around the world,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow.

“Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer.”

Apple to Enhance Security Amidst Open Platforms

With openness comes risk, and Apple acknowledges this as they open doors for alternative app marketplaces and payment processing methods.

These new avenues, while beneficial for competition, potentially increase exposure to malware, fraud, and other security threats.

To mitigate these risks, Apple is implementing new safeguards like Notarization for iOS apps and authorization for marketplace developers.

These measures aim to maintain a secure environment for EU users, though Apple concedes that not all risks can be completely eliminated.

Developer-Centric Updates

For developers, these changes are particularly transformative.

They now have access to tools enabling the creation of alternative app marketplaces, use of non-WebKit browser engines, and the submission of interoperability requests with iPhone and iOS features.

Additionally, contactless payment apps can leverage new NFC technology APIs.

However, the introduction of these features also carries inherent privacy and security challenges, which Apple plans to address with multiple layers of safeguards in the upcoming iOS 17.4 update.

Implications for Safari and App Store

The ripple effect of the DMA compliance extends to Safari and the App Store.

Users will encounter a new choice screen for default browsers in Safari, a direct outcome of the DMA’s requirements.

The App Store will also undergo changes, including new payment processing options and informative labels for apps using alternative payment methods.

These alterations come with a caveat: certain App Store features like Family Sharing will not be compatible with externally downloaded apps.

FAQs

What are the key changes Apple is making in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act?

Apple is rolling out significant updates in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, including the introduction of new APIs, alternative app marketplace and payment processing options, and revised functionality for browser engines.

How will Apple’s changes impact app developers and marketplace options in the EU?

Developers will now have access to new tools and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces, utilizing different browser engines, and managing app updates, significantly expanding their capabilities within the EU market.

What security measures is Apple implementing in light of these changes?

To counter potential risks from more open platforms, Apple is introducing safeguards like app Notarization and required authorization for marketplace developers, aiming to protect users from malware and other security threats.

Will Apple’s compliance with the DMA affect user experience in Safari and the App Store?

Yes, users in the EU will notice changes such as a new default browser choice screen in Safari and additional payment options in the App Store, though some existing features like Family Sharing might not be compatible with externally downloaded apps.

What are the Changes to iOS in the E.U. which Apple has made ?

In the EU, Apple is making a number of changes to iOS to comply with the DMA.
For developers, those changes include new options for distributing apps. The coming changes to iOS in the EU include:

New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces — including new APIs and tools that enable developers to offer their iOS apps for download from alternative app marketplaces.

New framework and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces — enabling marketplace developers to install apps and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their dedicated marketplace app.

New frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines — enabling developers to use browser engines, other than WebKit, for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences.

Interoperability request form — where developers can submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.

As announced by the European Commission, Apple is also sharing DMA-compliant changes impacting contactless payments. That includes new APIs enabling developers to use NFC technology in their banking and wallet apps throughout the European Economic Area.

And in the EU, Apple is introducing new controls that allow users to select a third-party contactless payment app — or an alternative app marketplace — as their default.

Inevitably, the new options for developers’ EU apps create new risks to Apple users and their devices. Apple can’t eliminate those risks, but within the DMA’s constraints, the company will take steps to reduce them. These safeguards will be in place when users download iOS 17.4 or later, beginning in March, and include:

Notarization for iOS apps — a baseline review that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform integrity and protecting users. Notarization involves a combination of automated checks and human review.

App installation sheets — that use information from the Notarization process to provide at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before download, including the developer, screenshots, and other essential information.

Authorization for marketplace developers — to ensure marketplace developers commit to ongoing requirements that help protect users and developers.
Additional malware protections — that prevent iOS apps from launching if they’re found to contain malware after being installed to a user’s device.

These protections — including Notarization for iOS apps, and authorization for marketplace developers — help reduce some of the privacy and security risks to iOS users in the EU. That includes threats like malware or malicious code, and risks of installing apps that misrepresent their functionality or the responsible developer.

However, Apple has less ability to address other risks — including apps that contain scams, fraud, and abuse, or that expose users to illicit, objectionable, or harmful content. In addition, apps that use alternative browser engines — other than Apple’s WebKit — may negatively affect the user experience, including impacts to system performance and battery life.

Within the DMA’s constraints, Apple is committed to protecting the privacy, security, and quality of the iOS user experience in the EU as much as possible. For instance, App Tracking Transparency will continue to work with apps distributed outside of the App Store — asking a user’s permission before a developer tracks their data across apps or websites. However, the DMA’s requirements mean that App Store features — including Family Purchase Sharing and Ask to Buy — will not be compatible with apps downloaded from outside of the App Store.

When these changes come into effect in March, Apple will share more detailed resources explaining the options available to users — including best practices for protecting their privacy and security.

What are the Changes to Safari by Apple in EU?

Today, iOS users already have the ability to set a third-party web browser — other than Safari — as their default. Reflecting the DMA’s requirements, Apple is also introducing a new choice screen that will surface when users first open Safari in iOS 17.4 or later. That screen will prompt EU users to choose a default browser from a list of options.

This change is a result of the DMA’s requirements, and means that EU users will be confronted with a list of default browsers before they have the opportunity to understand the options available to them. The screen also interrupts EU users’ experience the first time they open Safari intending to navigate to a webpage.

What are the Changes to the App Store by Apple in EU?

On the App Store, Apple is sharing a number of changes for developers with apps in the EU, affecting apps across Apple’s operating systems — including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The changes also include new disclosures informing EU users of the risks associated with using alternatives to the App Store’s secure payment processing.
For developers, those changes include:

New options for using payment service providers (PSPs) — within a developer’s app to process payments for digital goods and services.

New options for processing payments via link-out — where users can complete a transaction for digital goods and services on the developer’s external website. Developers can also inform EU users of promotions, discounts, and other deals available outside of their apps.

Business planning tools — for developers to estimate fees and understand metrics associated with Apple’s new business terms for apps in the EU.
The changes also include new steps to protect and inform EU users, including:

App Store product page labels — that inform users when an app they’re downloading uses alternative payment processing.

In-app disclosure sheets — that let users know when they are no longer transacting with Apple, and when a developer is directing them to transact using an alternative payment processor.

New App Review processes — to verify that developers accurately communicate information about transactions that use alternative payment processors.

Expanded data portability on Apple’s Data & Privacy site — where EU users can retrieve new data about their usage of the App Store and export it to an authorized third party.
For apps that use alternative payment processing, Apple will not be able to issue refunds, and will have less ability to support customers encountering issues, scams, or fraud. Helpful App Store features — like Report a Problem, Family Sharing, and Ask to Buy — will also not reflect these transactions. Users may have to share their payment information with additional parties, creating more opportunities for bad actors to steal sensitive financial information. And on the App Store, users’ purchase history and subscription management will only reflect transactions made using the App Store’s In-App Purchase system.

What are the New Business Terms for Apps in the EU ?

Also today, Apple is sharing new business terms available for developers’ apps in the European Union. Developers can choose to adopt these new business terms, or stay on Apple’s existing terms. Developers must adopt the new business terms for EU apps to use the new capabilities for alternative distribution or alternative payment processing.

The new business terms for apps in the EU are necessary to support the DMA’s requirements for alternative distribution and payment processing. That includes a fee structure that reflects the many ways Apple creates value for developers’ businesses — including distribution and discovery on the App Store, the App Store’s secure payment processing, Apple’s trusted and secure mobile platform, and all the tools and technology to build and share innovative apps with users around the world.

Developers operating under either set of business terms can continue to use the App Store’s secure payment processing and share their apps on the App Store in the EU. And both sets of business terms reflect Apple’s long-standing work to make the app ecosystem the best opportunity for all developers.

Developers operating under the new business terms will have the option to distribute their iOS apps from the App Store and/or alternative app marketplaces. These developers can also choose to use alternative payment processors in their EU apps on the App Store, across Apple’s operating systems.

The new business terms for iOS apps in the EU have three elements:

Reduced commission — iOS apps on the App Store will pay a reduced commission of either 10 percent (for the vast majority of developers, and subscriptions following their first year) or 17 percent on transactions for digital goods and services.

Payment processing fee — iOS apps on the App Store can use the App Store’s payment processing for an additional 3 percent fee. Developers can use a payment service provider within their app or link users to their website to process payments for no additional fee to Apple.

Core Technology Fee — iOS apps distributed from the App Store and/or an alternative app marketplace will pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold.
For apps on iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS in the EU, developers who process payments using a PSP or by linking out to their website will get a 3 percent discount on the commission they owe to Apple.

Apple is also sharing a fee calculator tool and new reports to help developers estimate the potential impact of the new business terms on their app businesses. Developers can learn more about the changes for EU apps on a new Apple Developer Support page and can begin testing these capabilities today in the iOS 17.4 beta.

Also Read: EU’s DMA Pushing Apple to Enable App Sideloading on iPhones

Also Read: Meta Announces New Privacy Controls for EU Users: Unlinking Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp