c/apple_enthusiast · by misk@sopuli.xyz · 2y

Apple to allow iOS app downloads direct from websites in the EU [but not really]

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/12/24098334/apple-ios-web-distribution-eu-app-store-changes

73 points · 17 comments · view on lemmy.world

17 Comments

misk@sopuli.xyz · 39 pts · 2y (16 replies)

They’ll also need to agree to a number of key undertakings, as outlined by Apple:

Be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program as an organization incorporated, domiciled, and or registered in the EU (or have a subsidiary legal entity incorporated, domiciled, and or registered in the EU that’s listed in App Store Connect). The location associated with your legal entity is listed in your Apple Developer account.
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 the prior calendar year.
Only offer apps from your developer account.
Be responsive to communications from Apple regarding your apps distributed through Web Distribution, particularly regarding any fraudulent, malicious, or illegal behavior, or anything else that Apple believes impacts the safety, security, or privacy of users.
Publish transparent data collection policies and offer users control over how their data is collected and used.
Follow applicable laws of the jurisdictions where you operate (for example, the Digital Services Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, and consumer protection laws).
Be responsible for handling governmental and other requests to take down listings of apps

What a joke.

TCB13@lemmy.world · 19 pts · 2y (10 replies)

That second reason is exactly the opposite of what we needed. Fucking Apple, why can't they just do it like in macOS and allow everything by default unless blacklisted as malware? Damn.

Nogami@lemmy.world · -7 pts · 2y (5 replies)

It’s called playing it safe. Bad actors won’t be able to meet the standard and so users will never see their garbageware.

Totally fine by me.

TCB13@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 2y (4 replies)

No, it's called gatekeeping and screwing over users for profit. I'm not against Apple having a tightly controlled store and system so the majority of regular users only use it and have really high quality stuff, what I'm against is blocking anyone from coding and deploying an app to any iOS device without a certificate OR not having 3rd party stores and all the crap.

Again in macOS you can install apps from everywhere, you still have a tightly controlled store and a set of enforced restrictions for all other apps. Things never turned into a malware or garbage sideshow and everyone is happy. What you're saying isn't a valid excuse, just Apple going for profits.

Nogami@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y (3 replies)

Since it's never going to happen, it's all just fantasy dreaming. If you must have that, it's over to android for you.

I've been an iPhone user since it first launched (outside the US), and I've never felt unfairly restricted by Apple's rules. While I'm not a developer, I've paid to play inside XCode and deploy on my own device. It wasn't onerous. I'm not a FOSS fanatic.

bamboo@lemm.ee · 3 pts · 2y (1 reply)

It will happen at some point, and it’s not just “FOSS fanatics” advocating for this, it’s governments and billion-dollar corporations. That was the purpose of the DMA, and I’m sure as more countries implement similar laws and Apple’s bullshit gets tried in court, the platform will be forced open.

Nogami@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 2y

Don’t hold your breath. If it means that much to you then off to android you go.

TCB13@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y

Even if you pay you're forced to resign your apps every year... that's just over the line.

mmmmmsoup@lemmy.today · -13 pts · 2y (3 replies)

[ removed ]

folkrav@lemmy.ca · 6 pts · 2y

A phone is absolutely a computer despite Apple’s marketing, and why would it be Apple’s fault you installed something on your phone?

TCB13@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2y (1 reply)

Dude, the typical Mac user doesn't run MacKepper and doesn't want to run it. Besides if you break your phone that's your fault. I bet people using Android phones are always on that 911 situation and nobody cares.

AProfessional@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y

[ removed ]

ramble81@lemm.ee · 13 pts · 2y (3 replies)

That second one is the exact reason they disabled and reinstated Epic. It reset the two year clock on “good standing”

eutampieri@feddit.it · 2 pts · 2y (2 replies)

Except for the fact that the account was reinstated after mere days than it was opened

Railcar8095@lemm.ee · 4 pts · 2y (1 reply)

Only after EU told them that shit was not going to work.

eutampieri@feddit.it · 1 pts · 2y

Yes, but that isn’t a valid point by the original commenter

shootwhatsmyname@lemm.ee · 2 pts · 2y

I would like to know who on which team is responsible for these rules at Apple