Tuesday’s announcement is the latest example of the Digital Markets Act forcing Apple to make long-resisted changes to its App Store business processes. The DMA is designed to compel “gatekeepers” — big tech companies including Apple — to open their platforms to smaller rivals.
The web download program will start later this spring and requires developers to meet “specific criteria,” such as having an app with over 1 million downloads in Europe. Apple will still collect a fee, it said.
Apple said companies can also offer an app store for iPhones in Europe, so long as it only offers access to one company’s apps.
“Distributing apps directly from a website requires responsibility and oversight of the user experience, including the ability to manage apps and provide customer support and refunds,” Apple said on a support page posted Tuesday. “Apple will authorize developers after meeting specific criteria and committing to ongoing requirements that help protect users.”
