Apple will soon allow the downloading of iOS applications from websites in Europe

Apple confirms that it will soon allow the downloading of iOS applications from websites in Europe. A small revolution that remains subject to certain strict rules.

There are revolutions that Apple could do without. Apple's history is littered with all kinds of "revolutions," a concept dear to Steve Jobs or Tim Cook. The need to comply with the DMA is one, even if the American giant moves reluctantly.

After giving the green light to sideloading in January and the launch of iOS 17.4, Apple announces other significant changes for EU developers. The company will have to be more flexible towards developers distributing apps in the European Union.

Critics at the announcement of its initial decisions, Apple responds by confirming that it will be possible "later in spring 2024" to download applications directly from a website. Indeed, developers will have the right to distribute applications without going through an app store. In the Apple universe, the operation will resemble that of macOS where it is already possible to install software in this way. Android users will recall that they can already do this by downloading applications in the form of .apk files.

The measure only concerns applications in the EU, and Apple's strict rules must be followed. "Apps offered through web distribution must meet notarization requirements to protect the integrity of the platform, like all iOS apps, and can only be installed from a website domain that the developer has registered in App Store Connect," Apple explains. The company adds that it will provide access to APIs that will facilitate app distribution and integration with system features such as app backup and restore.

More "free" in appearance, the path remains complicated for developers who wish to emancipate themselves from the grip of the App Store. For its part, the iPhone manufacturer continues to mention greater security risks.

Developers will need to meet the following criteria:

Be registered in the Apple Developer program as an organization established, domiciled, or registered in the EU (or have a subsidiary legal entity established, domiciled, or registered in the EU and listed in App Store Connect).Be in good standing as a member of the Apple Developer program for at least two consecutive years, and have an application that has had more than one million first-time installations annually on iOS in the EU in the previous calendar year.

Among other things, they must agree to:

Only offer applications from your developer account.Respond to Apple's communications regarding your apps distributed through Web Distribution, especially in case of fraudulent, malicious, or illegal behavior, or any other element that Apple deems to have an impact on the safety, security, or privacy of users.Publish transparent data collection policies and offer users control over how their data is collected and used.Comply with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where you operate your activities (e.g., the Digital Services Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, and consumer protection laws).Take responsibility for handling government and other requests to remove apps from listings.

For users, installing applications outside of the App Store (sideloading) appears relatively simple. However, they will need to go to the iOS settings to approve the developer.

"To install applications from a developer's website, users will first need to approve the developer in their iPhone settings," explains Apple.

The brand specifies that when installing an application, a record will show the information that developers have submitted to Apple for review. This will include elements such as the application name, developer name, application description, or screenshots. Users will have to wait a few more weeks before they can install iOS applications from the web. An OS update should enable this "revolution" for the iPhone.