Apple has unveiled a series of changes that will transform how European users interact with applications on iOS devices. From now on, it will be possible to download applications directly from websites, a measure that, although it promises greater flexibility and access to content, also raises concerns about user privacy and security.
Apple allows app downloads from the web in Europe
To date, the Apple App Store has been the only authorized source for downloading applications on iOS devices. Now, as part of Apple's effort to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and with the introduction of iOS 17.4, alternative stores have arrived (which will be disabled if we leave the EU and which can be easily blocked). And, with them, a new announcement: developers in the European Union will now also have the freedom to distribute their applications directly from their own websites.
While this greater openness may seem like a step towards more freedom and autonomy for both developers and users, it is not without risks, especially in terms of privacy protection. There are significant questions about how user data will be managed and protected.
At least, to qualify for web distribution, developers must meet specific criteria, such as being a member of the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years, having a record of good conduct, and having an application with more than one million initial installations on iOS within the EU during the previous year. In addition, applications distributed in this way must comply with Apple's notarization requirements, ensuring they maintain, as far as possible, the platform's quality and security standards.
The distribution of applications from the web will be available following an iOS software update scheduled for the spring within the European Union. So, the coming months will be crucial to observe how these changes affect the way we interact with our favorite applications and how we protect our personal information in a supposedly increasingly open environment.
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