Apple
has announced a set of changes for the
iPhone
and its App Store that will take place in the
European Union
(EU). However, some developers have expressed their opposition to the changes, saying that it remains unjust. They argue that the proposed changes could violate the
DMA
. The European Union's industry chief has stated that Apple could face severe consequences if it does not comply with the regulations regarding its App Store.
When asked about Apple's plans, EU industry chief
Thierry Breton
told Reuters that the DMA aims to bring fairness and openness to digital markets by promoting competition.
When asked about Apple's plans, the EU industry chief, Thierry Breton, stated to Reuters that the DMA (Digital Markets Act) would offer fair and open opportunities for competition in digital markets.
Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is required to allow developers to distribute their apps to iPhones via alternative stores. And it also needs to let developers use third-party payment options. So, starting March 7, when the Digital Markets Act goes into effect, developers will be able to offer alternative app stores on iPhones and opt out of using Apple's in-app payment system that charges commissions of up to 30%.
Breton says that change is already happening and that starting from March 7, companies' [including Apple] proposals will be assessed with the feedback of third parties. “If the proposed solutions are not good enough, we will not hesitate to take strong action," he added.
Even though Apple has opened up the iPhone to alternative marketplaces, it still requires developers to submit their apps for review. Apple says that this is to ensure the “best, most secure experience possible for EU users.” However, developers say otherwise.
Developers who opt into the new business terms will have to pay a "core technology fee" of 50 euro cents per user account per year. Apple estimates that most developers will maintain or reduce their fees, but larger developers may be more affected.
Some of the biggest critics of Apple, which includes
Tim Sweeney
, the CEO of Epic Games, have called out the iPhone-maker’s changes as “hot garbage,” though to note Epic has announced its app store coming to iPhone later this year.
Spotify, which is also benefiting from the changes since it will be able to take in-app payments on iPhones, says that Apple’s proposal is “a complete and total farce.” David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founder of Basecamp, who has been at rift with Apple time and again, termed the new guidelines a “poison pill” that is designed to “ensure that no second-party app store ever takes off.”
In a statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson
Fred Sainz
says the “ changes we’re sharing for apps in the European Union give developers choice — with new options to distribute iOS apps and process payments. Every developer can choose to stay on the same terms in place today. And under the new terms, more than 99% of developers would pay the same or less to Apple.”
The European Commission Commission says that it will have to say more about Apple’s changes when the Digital Markets Act goes into effect in March. The commission adds that gatekeepers, including Apple, should test their proposals with third parties and allow developers sufficient time to review the new guidelines.
English (US) ·