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Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

macrumors.com

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Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#561

Post by layer8 »

dkarras wrote: post #505
Ballas wrote: post #6

I just want to be able to install my own apps on my own device without paying $99/year (and with a signature that lasts a reasonable amount of time). Sadly, this doesn't seem to allow for that.

So they should be forced to develop the SDK and the dev tools for free and provide that support for free? I mean it would be very nice of them to do so, but legally forcing them to do it? I don't know about that. It is a shortsighted "solution".

I believe they would be allowed to charge for the SDK and the dev tools as long as they don’t require developers to use that SDK and the dev tools. I’m sure someone else would provide an alternative SDK and tooling then.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#562

Post by capitainenemo »

robocat wrote: post #554
gigatexal wrote: post #521

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I dunno. Do you really fault Apple for wanting to hold onto their vice grip of the AppStore that gives them license to print money at ridiculous margins? I mean, their better angels would have them be so confident in the value of their own store that they'd allow other stores to compete on the merits but honestly ... if we were Tim Cook or in charge of Apple I think we'd all fight tooth-and-nail to keep this cash cow…

> license to print money They don't split out their profitability for the App store. Last time I tried to calculate it it was less than you might assume. Anyone have a good article/analysis of what % of Apple's profit comes from the App store tax? Ideally also with foremarket versus aftermarket?

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/08/apples-app-store-had-gross-s... "There are some exceptions to Apple's 30% cut of digital sales, and Apple's figures are rough, which means that Apple's App Store total sales is likely even higher. Sensor Tower, an app analytics firm, estimates that the App Store did $72.3 billion in sales 2020."

So... 72 billion in 2020.. probably even more now.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#563

Post by margana »

gumby wrote: post #498
Etheryte wrote: post #84

The terms and conditions for web distribution [0] are concerning to say the least. In short, you have to have at least one million first installs annually on iOS to even qualify, in addition to other terms such as "good standing in the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more". I doubt Epic and the like would be considered in good standing as far as Apple is concerned. Also, quote unquote, developers…

Unfortunately this is backwards for me. My mac usage is direct download (when possible) for small developers, but get the advantages of the mac app store when using an app written from someone big. So if I were inclined to download something from Epic I'd want to use the app store anyway. For phones though I don't have the tools I do on the mac (ios is too opaque) so if I couldn't get it from the Apple app store I ju…

That's fine. Not every citizen has to actively use every right made available to them by the law. That doesn't diminish its value for the ones who do need it.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#564

Post by jprd »

gigatexal wrote: post #521
ho_schi wrote: post #229

Apple isn’t considering that they are the baddies? I suggest strong regulation of the complete BigIT and two chairs for public observers at minimum. In addition they are not allowed to enter any new market. Why? Because it worked well with AT&T . Results: * UNIX * C * Open-Source * Public Documentation Sounds good? Until the Reagan administration appeared, allowed them to split up (Baby Bells), the UNIX-Wars followed…

I dunno. Do you really fault Apple for wanting to hold onto their vice grip of the AppStore that gives them license to print money at ridiculous margins? I mean, their better angels would have them be so confident in the value of their own store that they'd allow other stores to compete on the merits but honestly ... if we were Tim Cook or in charge of Apple I think we'd all fight tooth-and-nail to keep this cash cow…

..no? I guess that means I'll never be Tim Cook and might have morals, but it just reeks of craven profiteering.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#565

Post by acover »

littlestymaar wrote: post #196
acover wrote: post #177

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are they forced to list on the apple app store?

Good thing is you're not forced to use them either!

Do you consider the usage of oligopolies optional? I could live the life of stallman, but this decision kills an amazing user experience for subscriptions.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#566

Post by mordae »

shiandow wrote: post #29
lapcat wrote: post #3

This is just more malicious compliance by Apple. Indie developers are completely locked out of web distribution, and it applies only to developers who are already paying the Apple tax. > To be eligible for Web Distribution, you must: > Be a member of good standing in the Apple Developer Program for two continuous years or more, and have an app that had more than one million first annual installs on iOS in the EU in t…

I suppose the next stage of malicious compliance will be to allow absolutely everyone to publish apps everywhere , but with some technical warning that is designed to be ignored.

You mean like Android does?

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#567

Post by mvdtnz »

matwood wrote: post #529
bsaul wrote: post #109

i don't understand how the EU didn't put up a very simple rule : users owns their phones and should be able to install any software they want without apple putting artificial restrictions or gateways exclusivity. Period. That should remove all the possibilities of apple trying to find the loopholes with shit measures such as those "options".

Because the EU wanted to be able to target specific companies and not others. The way the DMA is written they can pick and choose to enforce it on whoever they want.

They can (and do) always pick and choose when to enforce the law.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#568

Post by margana »

Spivak wrote: post #25
classified wrote: post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I really hope the EU regulators won't let this slide.

Which part? I don't think the EU can rule that Apple can't charge publishers to be on iOS. This isn't malicious compliance, sans the size requirement it's exactly what they asked for. This keeps happening where people keep hitching "I don't want to pay Apple" to every wagon except a law that requires Apple to make access to iOS free. "Allow other payment processors": Okay you still pay 27% "Allow other stores": Okay…

Even if they were allowed to ask for a fee, they would not be allowed to set conditions that they can subjectively rule on. Particularly the "in good standing with Apple" is a blatant violation since it effectively lets them block anyone they want for any reason, which is in violation of the very basic "shall allow and technically enable" language of the DMA.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#569

Post by dns_snek »

scarface_74 wrote: post #481
pg_1234 wrote: post #425

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The EU should make a public service announcement. Something along the lines of: "We urge all EU citizens with Apple devices to have an alternate means of accessing critical internet services like banking, to protect themselves in the event we are forced to block all Apple services EU-wide for legal non-compliance." ... then watch AAPL stock drop below NVDA ... ... and Apple come crawling back, suitably obedient.

EU App Store revenue is 7% of total App Store revenue.

How's that relevant? It's their second largest market for iPhone sales, representing around 25% of total units sold. If, as the parent comment suggested, the EU intervened and somehow banned Apple's services in the EU until they started complying with the law, new iPhones sales would effectively drop to 0.

Re: Apple announces ability to download apps directly from websites in EU

#570

Post by debo_ »

nerdjon wrote: post #157

It really bothers me that so much of this is focused on the developers, and that is the problem here. How many users actually want this? I am sure some, but I doubt it is a significant number. I have said this before here, but I am not looking forward to when this likely eventually comes to the US and as a user I have less control over my phone, not more. The walled garden is why I chose an iPhone and continue to sta…

It's not focused on the developers. As the DMA intends, it is focused on the digital market of mobile apps, which is currently anticompetitive.
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