Apple announced one of the most drastic changes to iOS with iOS 17.4 with alternative marketplaces and payments, changes to Safari, and more.
Apple announced one of the most drastic changes to iOS with iOS 17.4. When this operating system is available, it will add alternative marketplaces and payments, changes to Safari, and more to the iPhone in Europe.
For Apple, “the new options for processing payments and downloading apps on iOS open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats.” And although some of that might be true, this change will help improve competitiveness.
“The changes we’re announcing today comply with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements in the European Union while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings. Our priority remains creating the best, most secure possible experience for our users in the EU and around the world,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow. “Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer.”
Improvements and changes for alternative marketplaces
New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces: Including new APIs and tools that enable developers to offer their iOS apps for download from alternative app marketplaces.
New framework and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces: Enabling marketplace developers to install apps and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their dedicated marketplace app.
