iOS 17.5 Will Let EU Users Download Apps Directly From Websites

Apple released yesterday the first developer beta of iOS 17.5, which adds support for downloading apps directly from the web for users in the EU. This is one of the changes that Apple will make to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, in addition to the support for alternative app stores that went live in iOS 17.4 last month.

As of today, there are several alternative iOS app stores that are being worked on, including the Epic Games Store and AltStore. The latter will be dedicated to apps backed by Patreon, the popular monetization platform for content creators.

Just like iOS apps on alternative app stores will need to meet some specific requirements, Apple will also keep some control over the apps iPhone users in the EU will be able to download directly from the web. Developers will need to be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program for over two continuous years, and they’ll also need to already have an iOS app with more than one million first annual installs in the EU in the prior calendar year.

iOS apps distributed via the web will also need to meet the same “Notarization” requirements as apps distributed on alternative app stores in the EU. Additionally, developers will need to pay Apple’s €0.50 Core Technology Fee for each app install after an app crossed one million installs in the past 12 months.

All in all, this sounds much more complicated than the simple way developers can reach users directly on open platforms like Windows and macOS. However, this may be for good reason, as having not tech-savvy iPhone users being able to easily download any apps from the web could be risky. Android users have been able to sideload apps for years, but this isn’t exactly for the average Joe either. And again, this is probably for the best.