In recent years, Apple has faced several controversies regarding itsApp Store policies and the fees it charges developers. Now it appears that the company is preparing another move that could spark further controversy.
According to reports in the Wall Street Journal, Apple is planning to charge fees to developers who offer app downloads outside its App Store, a practice known as “sideloading.” This decision would be in line with new European regulations that will go into effect soon.
Apple’s plans for sideloading
At the moment, Apple has not shared many details about how exactly the sideloading process will work. However, it appears that the company will not allow developers to avoid app review fees and rules. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple “plans to charge fees to developers who offer downloads outside the App Store” and will require some form of review for downloads that do not go through its storefront. This sideloading feature would be available only to iOS users in the European Union in order to comply with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act.
It is important to note that Apple’s plans have not yet been definitively determined, but it appears that the company is trying to strike a balance between the new European regulations and its App Store policies.
The changes to App Store policies in the United States.
This move by Apple to charge fees to developers for sideloading follows another major change to its App Store policies in the United States. Last week, the company officially changed the rules to allow U.S. developers to enable in-app purchases that bypass the App Store’s payment system.
However, the new rules state that developers must still pay a 27 percent fee on purchases made outside theApp Store (some smaller developers will only be charged 12 percent). The new rules also give Apple the right to audit developers’ records to ensure compliance. This change has already drawn much criticism from Epic Games, Spotify and other developers who have long been critical of the App Store’s restrictive rules and fees.
Possible criticism from developers
If Apple were to charge developers commissions for sideloading, there could be similar criticism from app developers. Many companies that have differed with Cupertino in the past over its rules are already preparing. For example, Spotify, a longtime opponent of App Store fees, has just unveiled a preview of what the European version of its app will look like once users can pay for subscriptions and audiobooks within the app itself.
In addition, the Wall Street Journal reports that Meta, another Apple critic, is working on a project called “Project Neon” that would allow developers’ apps to be distributed via Facebook ads. This effort could allow the Facebook owner to compete more directly with the App Store, at least in Europe.