Apple Unveils Major iOS Changes in the EU: Flexibility or Risk?

Apple is making changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store for developers in the European Union (EU) to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These changes are designed to give developers more flexibility in how they distribute apps, process payments, and interact with Apple's platforms, but they only apply to apps distributed in the EU. Here are the key points and benefits, simplified for a non-technical audience:

1. Alternative App Distribution: Developers can now distribute their iOS apps through alternative marketplaces, not just the App Store. This could lead to more exposure for their apps and potentially lower costs associated with distribution.
2. Payment Processing Options: Developers have new options to process payments for digital goods and services, either through alternative payment service providers (PSPs) or by linking out to external purchase systems. This could mean more control over financial transactions and possibly reduced fees.
3. Web Browser Flexibility: Developers can use web browser engines other than Apple's WebKit for in-app browsing experiences in their iOS apps. This could lead to better performance and feature availability for web content within apps.
4. Interoperability and Hardware Access: There's a new process for developers to request access to iPhone and iOS hardware and software features for interoperability purposes. This could enhance app functionalities and user experiences by integrating more deeply with Apple's ecosystem.
5. Enhanced Analytics and User Data Access: Apple is providing developers with more app analytics and tools to access and transfer App Store user data, which could help in understanding user behavior and improving app services.
6. Notarization and Security: All apps, regardless of distribution method, must go through a notarization process to ensure they are free of malware and comply with privacy standards. This aims to maintain a level of trust and security for users, even outside the App Store.
7. User Choice and Default Apps: Users get more control over setting default apps for browsing, app marketplaces, and contactless payments. This could lead to a more personalized and preferable user experience.
8. New Business Terms for Developers: Developers can choose new business terms that reflect these changes, potentially leading to reduced commissions and fees for app sales and in-app purchases.

While these changes offer new opportunities and controls for developers, Apple also warns of increased risks such as malware, fraud, and a compromised user experience due to the broader ecosystem these changes introduce. However, . These updates are set to become available to users in the EU starting in March 2024.

Apple is implementing safeguards like app notarization to mitigate these risks but addition of Mobile Threat Defense into your Mobile Device Management strategy can help you prevent such risks at greater scale, Try SureMDM for free along with our upcoming solution on MTD for iOS.

Source: https://developer.apple.com/support/dma-and-apps-in-the-eu/