Apple gives in and allows iPhone apps to be installed over the Internet for the first time, but…

Following the EU’s forced opening of the iPhone to alternative app stores, Apple will also allow direct installation of applications outside of app stores. That means: In the future, software developers could distribute their apps directly from websites, Apple announced on Tuesday. This was always possible on other operating systems such as Android, macOS, Windows or Linux.

The American company is responding to criticism from the European Commission, consumer protection organizations and affected software developers such as Spotify and Swiss app providers Proton and Threema, who are demanding that Apple open the software market for the iPhone even further.

In the past, iPhone users could only install applications from Apple’s App Store. According to the legal requirements of the new EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), large and dominant providers, so-called gatekeepers, must now allow app stores from competing providers. Google and Microsoft have been doing this on their operating systems for a long time. Apple then allowed other app stores on the iPhone in early March, but blocked direct installation from the internet.

Apple remains in charge

However, with the new web option, Apple does not fully release software distribution. All apps must meet certain criteria and commit to ongoing requirements that serve to protect users, Apple emphasizes. At the same time, the group reiterates that it is critically reviewing the requirements of the DMA. Internet selling exposes users to even more risks than alternative marketplaces, which must be eliminated.

An argument that independent IT security experts have been contradicting for years. The developers of the Swiss messenger app Threema, who are concerned about security and data protection, have also sharply criticized Apple’s argument several times. Apple’s isolated app store no longer provides security and is even poor in terms of data protection.

Pressure from the EU: Apple makes further concessions

While the new installation option will roll out later this spring, two other changes take effect immediately. For starters, Apple is losing control over how developers can promote alternative payment methods and special promotions within the app. Until now, Apple had provided sample texts and design templates that many app developers considered dire warnings. In the future, app providers would have the option to customize the language and design of the links for promotions and offers to their own ideas.

More freedom for alternative app stores

A minor change to the app guidelines also states that alternative app stores can offer a catalog of apps sourced exclusively from the app store developer. That was not possible before.

Last week, Apple allowed developers to switch back from the new terms with more options to the previous model, with sales taking place only through the company’s own app store. However, this is only possible once – and only as long as the developers do not yet sell their apps through alternative app stores.

(oli/sda/awp/dpa)