Apple maintains its security concerns about opening up iOS. According to Apple, strong controls are intended to ensure the safety of users. Apps for iOS may not be installed without Apple checking them.
Apple has the planned ones Changes presented, which the company must introduce in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act. Among other things, the iPhone maker, which is classified as a gatekeeper for several of its products, is opening its mobile operating system to third-party app marketplaces and browser engines other than Webkit.
In a press release, the Cupertino company points out several times that it considers some of the necessary adjustments to be a disadvantage for the security of its users. It also establishes certain requirements such as the authentication of iOS apps and authorization for app developers. It is unclear whether Apple meets all requirements of the Digital Markets Act with these restrictions.
Apple is introducing all changes with the update to iOS 17.4. A first beta is now available to developers. Among other things, third parties can now develop their own app stores for iOS. Marketplace developers must be authorized by Appel. In addition, app developers must obtain a security token from the marketplace operator, without which their applications cannot be published in the alternative marketplace.
Apple waives commissions for apps that are sold via alternative marketplaces. However, Apple charges the operators of the marketplaces a so-called core technology fee. “iOS apps distributed through the App Store and/or an alternative app marketplace will pay 0.50 euros for each first annual install that exceeds a threshold of 1 million,” is how Apple describes the fee. A Fee Calculator is intended to help developers assess the impact of the new terms and conditions on their app business. According to Apple, the core technology fee will only affect around one percent of all developers.
Another important change concerns alternative browser engines. Until now, Apple had always refused to allow any apps for iOS that could execute their own code – including browser engines other than WebKit. However, in the future, browsers like Chrome and Firefox will be able to run their own browser engines on iOS. The opening also applies to in-app browsing. In addition, Apple is showing a selection screen for the default browser with iOS 17.4.
In addition, Apple is opening its mobile operating system to alternative payment service providers. The NFC function of iPhones can now also be used by third-party providers for payment processing. Apple is also reducing its commissions: depending on the type of transaction, only 10 or 17 percent are due.