iOS 17.4 Introduces Alternative App Marketplaces With No Commission in EU

[mrat93]

MacRumors seems to have forgotten to link to the announcement: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024...fari-and-the-app-store-in-the-european-union/

I found it interesting that MR, 9to5, and Bloomberg all had big stories published right at 1pm, also announcing 17.4 coming today. Probably normal journalism stuff, but I’m guessing that some outlets had prior knowledge so they can publish at the same time, rather than silently dropping a press release.

Hence, lack of source at the time of publishing.

 

[eicca]

I love how everyone complaining that alternative app sources will compromise the integrity of the platform is probably on a Mac where you can install whatever you want.

 

[nocsi]

Nice. Can’t wait to get hacked and spend my life wading through shovelware

 

[thegerman]

I’m a proud european! ❤️❤️

 

[eilavid]

Will be curious to see if alternative app store Apps will be restored when backed up

 

[aidler]

I just skimmed the article but I agree with the changes.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Yep

 

[eilavid]

This will be interesting

 

[AppliedMicro]

And just like that all those fear mongering comments about malicious legal compliance on Apple's part turned out to be bupkis.

Fearmongering? 😂

There were many more comments that actually wished Apple would only maliciously (pretend to) comply. These posters even got in(s)anely creative how Apple should stick it to the EU, its regulation and consumers („lose all warranty“, „lose all Apple services and access to Apple apps if you sideload“, etc.)

 

[till]

This is a fantastic deal for smaller developers and exempt non-profits, but big companies are *not* going to like that €0.50 install fee.

Honestly this seems like a great solution? You still pay $99/year for notarization, but as long as those "privacy and security" checks aren't onerous, this is really going to open up iOS for emulators, alternative browsers, etc.

 

[WesFL]

Now bring back FLASH... Just kidding.

 

[davidhands]

Staggered by how crappy the App Store is anyway. Given the popularity of iDevices I expected more. Or is this just a reflection of how good the bundled Apps are?
Anyway, I won't be side loading anything. This is Android users trying to force us to live in their filth?

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Basically sideloading with extra protections. Ok, hopefully this goes over well.

 

[klasma]

When the App Store first came out in 2008(?) many did not like the model of a store per country.

Today, that decision makes so much more sense now per market.

It always made sense, because otherwise if an app is not legal in one country it would have to be removed for all countries. Which means that a single country would be able to control what is allowed on the App Store.

 

[AppliedMicro]

So if you make a free app that goes viral and has 3 million installs, you need to pay Apple a million euro in core technology fees?

„Developers have a choice between opting into the new business terms in the EU or sticking with the App Store terms as they are today. Developers who choose to maintain the status quo will pay the fees they pay now -- 15 to 30 percent commission.“

 

[GMShadow]

I use FF for work. Seems like everyone else uses Chrome. I don’t want Chromium to become “the” standard web engine.

Whether I’ll use a different browser on my Apple devices…doubt it.

I also use Firefox at work for the same reasons, but I recognize their efforts are kinda crap at times.

 

[Art Mark]

Will unleash huge amounts of theft, software issues...it will be a real 'delight' for Apple stores as people. mindlessly screw up their phones and have as much of their info and banking stolen as quickly as possible. Have fun!

 

[klasma]

And just like that all those fear mongering comments about malicious legal compliance on Apple's part turned out to be bupkis.

Did you read the announcement?

 

[Apple$]

Here's hoping this'll expand worldwide.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

For those of you complaining about the Core Tech fees. Just understand that Apple created the platform and have the right to some of the profits that others make on it.

 

[Art Mark]

When you travel, also just carry your wallet taped to the outside of your jacket and your passport should just be carried so you can easily leave it anywhere. Those are also pro-free-market reforms that will enhance the experience for everyone.

 

[BadApe]

There you go. Happy day.

 

[PommeFruits]

When you travel, also just carry your wallet taped to the outside of your jacket and your passport should just be carried so you can easily leave it anywhere. Those are also pro-free-market reforms that will enhance the experience for everyone.

This analogy makes zero sense.

 

[Donstil-nl]

People for whom this is not good enough again in 1, 2, 3:

 

[hummerchine]

I consider this to be really bad news! For starters there is absolutely no way I’m installing any other app stores, yet some apps might only be available that way. This also hurts Apple’s profitability, which as a stock holder I don’t like!