Apple Unveils Extensive EU App Store Policy Changes, Including Sideloading
Apple has announced significant App Store policy updates for the EU, including allowing app sideloading. These reforms will arrive with iOS 17.4 in March to align with EU directives. Developers will now have APIs to distribute iOS apps on alternative platforms and frameworks for managing third-party app stores.
Additionally, third-party browsers can now use different engines besides Apple's WebKit, and banking and wallet apps can access iPhone NFC features like Apple Pay. Moreover, developers can link to external payment options and promote external deals, although Apple won't support transactions made outside its payment system.
EU users will have the choice to set default app stores and contactless payment apps. These regulatory-driven modifications, however, will not apply to the US or other regions except for a global update allowing developers to offer full game streaming app catalogs on the App Store, subject to App Store Review Guidelines.
EU users will have the choice to set default app stores and contactless payment apps. These regulatory-driven modifications, however, will not apply to the US or other regions except for a global update allowing developers to offer full game streaming app catalogs on the App Store, subject to App Store Review Guidelines.
