Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s EU Web Distribution Rules

  • Apple will allow iOS apps in the EU to be installed from developer websites, but only if:
    • The developer has been in the Apple Developer Program for 2+ years and is “in good standing”.
    • They already have an iOS app with >1M first annual installs in the EU in the prior year.
  • Apps must be notarized by Apple and can only be installed from domains registered in App Store Connect.
  • Many see this as effectively limited to large companies and useless for indie devs or new entrants.

Core Technology Fee (CTF) Controversy

  • Under the new EU terms, developers pay €0.50 per “first annual install” over 1M per year, across all distribution channels (including web, alternative stores, TestFlight, etc.).
  • Alternative app marketplaces pay the fee from the first install; individual apps get the first 1M free, but only if they’re on the new terms.
  • Critics argue this makes free or ad‑supported apps and many freemium models uneconomical and is designed to keep big apps on Apple’s store.
  • Others note that for high-priced paid apps, €0.50 can be cheaper than a 15–30% revenue cut.

DMA Compliance vs. “Malicious Compliance”

  • Many commenters call this “malicious compliance”: Apple follows the letter (arguably) while preserving gatekeeping and rent extraction.
  • Heavy debate around the EU Digital Markets Act, especially Article 6(7)’s “free of charge” interoperability requirement:
    • One side reads this as banning per‑install platform access fees like the CTF.
    • The other side argues the DMA allows access fees if they’re “fair” and applied equally, and “free of charge” only covers use of specific OS features/APIs once installed.
  • Several point out EU courts use intent (“spirit of the law”), not just wording, and expect investigations and large fines; others stress this will take years.

Security vs. Freedom

  • Pro‑Apple side: single store + notarization significantly reduce malware and scams, especially for non‑technical users and families; they explicitly want a locked-down phone.
  • Pro‑openness side: safety should come from sandboxing and permissions, not platform censorship or mandatory fees; Android’s sideloading is cited as workable, if imperfect.
  • Some suggest strong parental controls / MDM profiles for vulnerable users instead of restricting everyone.

Impact on Developers and Users

  • Indie developers:
    • Web distribution threshold (1M+ installs) excludes them; “good standing” is seen as a vague, abusable veto.
    • Many say staying on the old App Store terms is still their least-bad option; the CTF mainly hits already-successful apps.
  • Users:
    • Some EU users welcome more choice and hope for real alternative stores and web installs.
    • Others fear big platforms (e.g., social networks, game publishers) will move to their own stores, forcing users outside Apple’s ecosystem protections.