Apple Starts Letting Developers Add Alternative App Marketplaces to App Store Connect

[JSDK]

Maybe not those specific services, but I totally expect a 3rd party like Microsoft opening up their own App Store and forcing you to use it to install something like MS Office, for example. Same goes for lots of game developers.

This really isn't going to be all that great for us Europeans, many people's brains stop at the mentioning of "we get more choice" and think that this is automatically a good thing, when it really isn't. The long-term effects of multiple app stores may not be that positive at all.

I doubt Microsoft will do this. This will exclude many of the customers who do not want to download an alternative Marketplace, just as it will also exclude those who are not IT savvy and understand that their apps must be downloaded elsewhere. I think Microsoft is very happy that their apps are in a safe and accessible place so that potential customers can easily get to them.

After all, Microsoft has not forced people on Android devices to download their apps from other places than Google Play, although that has always been an option.

Personally, I think this will be a bit like the 3rd party keyboards. It is being blown up big - but it remains a niche. Especially when developers find out what they have to pay to run their own marketplace - and customers find out that the same apps can be downloaded from the App Store, because Apple keeps a close eye on apps like emulators, ++ apps and pirated movie apps not being available. Let's be honest - these are the kind of apps most people hope they can install now. 😅

 

[aLbAn]

The EU is surely ushering in a golden age of consumer pricing! Credit card processing fees will plummet! Developers will rush to give everyone huge savings on apps! Subscriptions will be so cheap that no one will complain about too many apps requiring subscriptions! Nobody will notice the slightest difference in security/privacy because this whole thing was TOTALLY about rolling out the red carpet for consumers!

I agree. Anyone who thinks that this is going to lead to cheaper apps and services, is being a bit naive, to say the least.

 

[TigerNike23]

I agree. Anyone who thinks that this is going to lead to cheaper apps and services, is being a bit naive, to say the least.

Zero chance. It might move money around between companies (less going to Apple, more to the developers). I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple say, increased the cost of iCloud in the EU to offset these changes.

If there’s one thing to remember about Tim Cook, he knows how many beans he has. He’s the bean counter extraordinaire.

 

[aLbAn]

I doubt Microsoft will do this. This will exclude many of the customers who do not want to download an alternative Marketplace, just as it will also exclude those who are not IT savvy and understand that their apps must be downloaded elsewhere. I think Microsoft is very happy that their apps are in a safe and accessible place so that potential customers can easily get to them.

After all, Microsoft has not forced people on Android devices to download their apps from other places than Google Play, although that has always been an option.

Personally, I think this will be a bit like the 3rd party keyboards. It is being blown up big - but it remains a niche. Especially when developers find out what they have to pay to run their own marketplace - and customers find out that the same apps can be downloaded from the App Store, because Apple keeps a close eye on apps like emulators, ++ apps and pirated movie apps not being available. Let's be honest - these are the kind of apps most people hope they can install now. 😅

Right, so you expect that basically the alternative app stores are a niche thing and will be used by a relatively small number of users? In other words, this change that was forced upon Apple was essentially unnecessary for most of us...

 

[Jensend]

I don’t understand the need for it. I think the normal App Store is filled with crap so god knows what this alternative one will be like

Maybe better?
Because another store isn't the only option to developers, it could be more restrictive in what they allow (only allowing higher quality software)

I find that Steam on PC works better for discovery despite being very open. And I find it easier to find stuff I know the name of. I searched for one app on the App Store by its exact name, and it was several pages down in the search results. It was the first app on the Steam search.

Also, a store like Steam could provide a cross-buy option, where you could get the desktop and mobile versions in one purchase, and sync save games and such.

Although with Apple's malicious compliance, I don't see there being any good alternatives any time soon.

 

[JSDK]

@aLbAn

Yes, but I'm just guessing. It is also a matter of principle for the EU that Apple must not have the monopoly on selling apps for iOS that they have had so far. We will have to see what time brings.

 

[Jensend]

That's one perspective, but not the only one.

Another is that the iOS world will become like Windows, and in some ways like macOS, where apps, and entire app marketplaces, are eventually abandoned because they just couldn't make a go of it. That's the piece that developers have taken for granted with the App Store. They don't have to worry about the "health" of the marketplace that they distribute apps through. They don't have to worry about payment processing, support/help desks, etc. This is what the 30% has always paid for. Now they'll be on their own, and the true cost of developing, distributing and supporting apps will become real.

The App Store isn't going anywhere. Developers can still choose to use it with the original terms.

 

[brofkand]

I want to be able to run completely arbitrary code on my iPhone or iPad. Why can't I, Apple? Unlock these device's potential. Why does Apple insist that this silicon must sit around doing basically nothing until the device is recycled?

 

[insoft.uk]

I understand why Apple wants to vet the apps to prevent malware…but at the same time I really don't see the point in an alternative marketplace if Apple is just going to have to certify the app anyway. Isn't that what everyone was upset about to begin with?

Exactly, its like someone opening a shop that competes with a massive supermarket, and that supermarket demand they have to inspect what they sell and pay a fee for it just to be allowed to sell to it’s customers

 

[Jensend]

Who's going to make all these apps if kids grow up using locked down devices where they can't tinker with things?

 

[DFZD]

Hopefully iMessage and FaceTime interoperability is next! Also I wish Apple were forced to open up airplay, it’s just ridiculous

I think broadly the Mobile Internet space will gain a lot if all the stakeholders sit together and think of the users first. The segregation is unbelievable if you consider how smoothly the Desktop internet space works. Apple is even releasing their apps on Windows today.. so not sure whats stopping them from showing the same love to Android as well except the archaic mindset of a 19th century feudal rent seeker.

 

[Naraxus]

That's one perspective, but not the only one.

Another is that the iOS world will become like Windows, and in some ways like macOS, where apps, and entire app marketplaces, are eventually abandoned because they just couldn't make a go of it. That's the piece that developers have taken for granted with the App Store. They don't have to worry about the "health" of the marketplace that they distribute apps through. They don't have to worry about payment processing, support/help desks, etc. This is what the 30% has always paid for. Now they'll be on their own, and the true cost of developing, distributing and supporting apps will become real.

Welcome to the world of Free Market Economy

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Europeans are extremely happy to have more choice and the privilege to install on their phones what they want and not just what Apple approves.

It’s still what Apple approves, it’ll just be a larger Apple approval list.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

The EU is surely ushering in a golden age of consumer pricing! Credit card processing fees will plummet! Developers will rush to give everyone huge savings on apps! Subscriptions will be so cheap that no one will complain about too many apps requiring subscriptions! Nobody will notice the slightest difference in security/privacy because this whole thing was TOTALLY about rolling out the red carpet for consumers!

And all scammers will band together, hold hands and say “Look at what the EU has done. While we’ve been working hard to get scamware onto the App Store and are only successful a few times, it’s time to say NO MORE! No more scam app on any app store anywhere!”

 

[Unregistered 4U]

This is a fair assessment.

Apple tried to hold off on third party stores, but the EU forced their hand. Now they have to, but the user isn’t going to know the difference. Apple is in a no-win situation, if they lock it down too much they run afoul of the EU rules, if they open it up without restriction and user data is compromised, they lose trust with their users.

I don’t envy Tim Cook at all on this.

“It might make some people wiser”… hasn’t proven true on Windows. Scammers have been scamming the same folks over and over. Some folks REALLY want scammers to have the ability to do that on iOS. One thing’s for sure, there WILL be more scamware apps in the EU than in the rest of the world.

 

[threeseed]

I want to be able to run completely arbitrary code on my iPhone or iPad. Why can't I, Apple? Unlock these device's potential. Why does Apple insist that this silicon must sit around doing basically nothing until the device is recycled?

Open up Xcode and you can run whatever you like.

 

[threeseed]

consider how smoothly the Desktop internet space works.

What are you talking about ?

There was a solid decade if not more of just rampant spam, malware, viruses etc.

It got so bad that Microsoft and Apple had to literally build in anti-malware and anti-virus checkers into the OS.

 

[gsurf123]

Microsoft doesn’t need to bring their App Store they will just add the feature to install their apps from their “Start App” and so will Netflix with its Games. The whole closed box approach to app install is so restrictive because no other platform does this on mobile or desktop.

Except for all console gaming machines.

 

[gsurf123]

The vast majority of iPhone users will stick with the store where big developers need to be to get new customers and small developers have to be in order to get any customers. Will be quite amusing to see Netflix and others charge the exact same price as they charge their regular subscribers. No chance they will have a lower price on iOS. I'll never venture outside of the store because there is no reason for me as if it is worth having it will be in the App Store and there is zero chance I am passing my CC info to another company.

The only interesting thing might be if there are apps available in 3rd party stores that have functionality not available on App Store apps. I do not know if developers will be able to access hidden API's.

 

[freedomlinux]

Who's going to make all these apps if kids grow up using locked down devices where they can't tinker with things?

"What's a computer?"

In reality iPhone/iPad are just handheld computers (and quite powerful ones!) with a strange OS.

Fortunately, users can already write (but not publish) their own App-Store-rules-violating software locally via XCode. Looking to the future, I'm interested to see XCode for iPad with all the features & capabilities of XCode for macOS.

 

[gigapocket1]

feel like this is custom keyboards all over again.. we begged for the feature.. finally apple allows it..... and now, nobody uses it lol.
I personally like (as a buyer/customer) the no hassle return policy of the App Store... its 99.9% guaranteed (if needed)

 

[macfacts]

EU developers can now add alternative app marketplaces to App Store Connect, Apple said today. Apple is also accepting submissions for the Notarization process, which is required for all apps that will be distributed through alternative marketplaces.

Apple is making these changes to App Store Connect ahead of the launch of iOS 17.4, an update that overhauls the app ecosystem in the European Union. Alternative app marketplaces are special iOS apps that can be downloaded onto an iPhone from a website or a web browser, serving as an alternative to the App Store. App marketplaces are able to distribute iOS apps, giving developers a way to sell their apps without using the App Store.

Both alternative marketplaces and apps that are added to the iPhone through one of the marketplaces are checked over by Apple to prevent malware, viruses, and similar malicious content.

To add an alternative app marketplace or submit an app for Notarization, developers must agree to Apple's new business terms. The business terms include a Core Technology Fee that requires app marketplaces to pay .50 euros per install, and apps to pay the same fee after 1 million installs.

With alternative app marketplaces able to be added to App Store Connect, marketplace distribution and marketplace apps can be set up, and TestFlight can be used to beta test new features.

TestFlight also supports apps that use alternative browser engines and alternative payments through third-party payment providers.

Article Link: Apple Starts Letting Developers Add Alternative App Marketplaces to App Store Connect

So apple isn't providing distribution or payment processing but still wants to take a cut of the profits. Apple shouldn't be allowed to sell in Europe.

 

[Bustycat]

Hope this would prompt Apple improving App Store finally. It's now plagued by suspicious duplicates with fake reviews.

 

[lk400]

Yes, we have already had multiple apocalypses due to being able to install apps on macs and jailbroken iphones that don’t pay tithes to Apple. I don’t know how we will survive. I can’t think of a worse thing that’s happened to Europeans in the last years 🙄

I mean, just because an utterly absurd “worst case” scenario hasn’t happened, and just other bad things exist, doesn’t mean that negative can’t come of this. It’s conceivable that this will result in more malware as people who aren’t used to macs or aren’t technologically advance to have jailbroken their phone, are now able to access a broader range of software. The world won’t end, it’s not going to be all doom and gloom, but I’d wager some uptick in malware. I don’t see the use in making these absurd posts to be frank.

 

[Warfie]

feel like this is custom keyboards all over again.. we begged for the feature.. finally apple allows it..... and now, nobody uses it lol.
I personally like (as a buyer/customer) the no hassle return policy of the App Store... its 99.9% guaranteed (if needed)

Using Gboard since day one, for years. Apple keyboard is a real pain, worst I've ever used and guess what, never had a problem.
Sometime is nice having a choice.