High-profile developers including Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, are not happy with Apple’s response to DMA violations.
Back in June, EU regulators made a preliminary ruling stating that Apple had violated the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by not allowing app developers to steer users to alternative channels for content and offers. Apple subsequently made some changes making it easier for developers to lead users to platforms outside of iOS where they can make purchases. But with Apple, no “tit” is ever offered without a “tat” and that applies here as well.
This coming fall, developers in the EU will be able to add links that will allow iPhone users to make purchases outside of developers’ apps. The new rules say that developers can post and promote offers for purchases available at a destination chosen by each developer. These destinations include alternative app marketplaces, other apps, or websites. The offers can be accessed outside the app or in the app using a web view.
So far, so good. But here’s where Apple does its thing.
