According to new European Union regulations, companies with over 45 million monthly active users and a market capitalization exceeding 75 billion euros will have to make changes to their app distribution. Apple announced its plans regarding these new regulations on Thursday.
Starting from March, developers will have the option to offer alternative app stores on iPhones and disable the use of Apple’s internal payment system, which charges a commission of up to 30%. However, apps will still need to be submitted to Apple for risk assessment in terms of cybersecurity and obvious fraud.
Apple’s decision has been met with criticism from Timothey Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, the creator of “Fortnite,” who filed an antitrust case against Apple in the United States. Sweeney believes that the proposed changes are illegal according to EU regulations. Apple has the right to block competing stores, such as the Epic Games Store, from distributing apps on iPhones.
In the European Union, developers will be able to use external payment processors within their apps without additional fees. Additionally, iPhone users will be able to choose their default web browser and contactless payment app, allowing European users to make payments without using Apple Pay.
Regulations like these from the European Union grant developers more freedom and reduce Apple’s monopolistic control over app distribution on iPhones. This benefits companies like Epic Games and Spotify Technology, which have long complained about high commissions and restrictions imposed by Apple.
Consumers will experience the implemented changes with the iOS operating system update in March. Apple has already released tools for developers to start making changes to their business agreements.
FAQ:
1. What changes in app distribution do the new EU regulations address?
The new EU regulations address changes in app distribution on iPhones. Companies with over 45 million monthly active users and a market capitalization exceeding 75 billion euros will have to make changes in app distribution.
2. What did Apple announce regarding the new regulations?
Apple announced that starting from March, developers will have the option to offer alternative app stores on iPhones and disable the use of Apple’s internal payment system.
3. Which apps need to be submitted to Apple?
Despite the introduced changes, apps still need to be submitted to Apple for risk assessment in terms of cybersecurity and obvious fraud.
4. How have people reacted to Apple’s decision?
Apple’s decision has received criticism from Epic Games CEO, Timothey Sweeney, who believes that the proposed changes are illegal according to EU regulations. Apple has the right to block competing stores, such as the Epic Games Store, from distributing apps on iPhones.
5. What benefits will the new regulations bring to developers?
The EU regulations will grant developers more freedom and reduce Apple’s monopolistic control over app distribution on iPhones. Companies like Epic Games and Spotify Technology will benefit from lower commissions and fewer restrictions imposed by Apple.
6. When will consumers experience the implemented changes?
Consumers will experience the implemented changes with the iOS operating system update in March. Apple has already released tools for developers to start making changes to their business agreements.
The source of the article is from the blog combopop.com.br