Apple to allow app downloads from web to evade EU scrutiny
BNN Bloomberg
Apple Inc. will allow European users to download iPhone applications from web platforms for the first time as it moves to step into line with European Union rules targeting Big-Tech dominance.
As part of the overhaul, Apple will also let developers offer discounts to users away from the app store and will permit third-party marketplaces to offer their own developed apps.
Most of the changes will be put into effect immediately, except for Apple’s offer to allow developers to distribute apps from websites, which will launch in the spring, the company said in a blog post.
The overhaul is Apple’s latest in a round of tweaks linked to compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which went into force this month. The law targets the dominance of platforms such as Alphabet Inc.’s Google Search, Apple’s App Store, Amazon.com Inc.’s marketplace and Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook in an attempt to improve competition. Those firms must comply with a range of rules or face significant penalties of as much as 10 per cent of a company’s annual worldwide revenue or up to 20 per cent for repeat offenders.
