Software developers using Apple’s App Store will be able to distribute apps to users in the European Union directly from their websites this year, the company announced on Tuesday, in changes mandated by EU rules that require Apple to open its system.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) which began last week, mandates Apple to submit alternative app stores on iPhones and to permit developers to be allowed other options aside from its in-app payment system, which charges fees of up to 30 percent.
Apple said it was allowing more flexibility for developers, including a new way to distribute apps directly from a developer’s website.
The company said it will provide developers access to APIs (application programming interfaces) that allow the distribution of their apps from the web, integrate with system functionality, and back up and restore users’ apps, in addition to further new developments.
Developers will also be able to set up alternative app marketplaces to offer a catalog of the developer’s own apps.
Developers can select their own in-app promotions, and offer discounts and other deals when directing buyers to carry out transactions on their own websites instead of using Apple’s template.
Apple’s changes arose out of criticism from rivals that its compliance is not sufficient to comply with the DMA. Violations of the DMA can carry penalties as high as 10 percent of global turnover.
