Apple has announced several major changes to its App Store guidelines in the European Union as part of its ongoing efforts to comply with the Digital Market Act, 9TO5Mac reported.
First, Apple has announced a set of policy changes for developers with apps distributed in the European Union. These changes apply to all developers, regardless of whether or not they’ve opted into Apple’s alternative business terms in the EU.
Previously, Apple allowed developers under the EU terms to add a single static URL in their apps, with restrictions on things like tracking parameters, redirects, and intermediate links. Developers could only communicate and promote offers to their own websites.
With today’s changes, Apple is now losing that grip.
Developers can now promote offers across all channels, not just their own websites. This includes external websites, other apps, and alternative app marketplaces. It also includes in-app promotions using native UI or in-app webviews.
Developers are no longer limited to a single static URL. They can include multiple destinations in their apps. The links can also include tracking parameters, redirects, and more.
Developers can freely design their interfaces on the so-called “scare sheet” that users see when they tap on external links. Now, users will see a disclosure sheet the first time they tap on a link, but there’s a new option to opt out of seeing that disclosure sheet for future interactions in the same app.
The Verge reported: Apple has introduced new App Store changes in the EU in an attempt to avoid being further penalized under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
On Thursday, the company announced a new tier system for its Store Services fee that’s applied to purchase made outside apps, and will only give developers access to the full set of App Store features if they give Apple a larger commission.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose lawsuit against Apple resulted in a court order preventing Apple from taking a commission on purchases made outside the App Store in the US, has already called out limitations for developers who choose the cheaper tier.
TechCrunch reported: Apple on Thursday announced a series of updates to its developer policies to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets App (DMA). The news, which was expected arrived just in time to meet the deadline of June 26, after which the iPhone maker would risk new fines.
The changes involve how both hoe app developers can communicate with their customers and the fees Apple charges.
EU regulators had earlier fined Apple €500 million for non-responsive compliance with the DMA and are threatening to impose further penalties, forcing Apple’s hand.