April 3rd, today marks the official release of the first beta version of iOS 17.5. In the European Union region, this new iOS version permits users to install applications directly from developer websites.
Previously, to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act, iOS 17.4 introduced the sideloading feature, allowing users to sideload applications from third-party app stores. However, this time Apple has taken a step further by opening up sideloading channels, enabling users to download and install applications directly from developer websites, similar to the way Android operates.
It's worth noting that developers need to be members of Apple's developer program for two consecutive years and have their applications installed on EU iOS devices over 1 million times within a year. Additionally, they need to provide data collection policies to Apple. Only developers meeting these criteria can allow users to sideload applications from their websites.
Authorized developers will receive APIs provided by Apple. Users can sideload applications through websites, and applications downloaded in this manner can also be updated and backed up.
It's essential to note that applications provided through the web do not require any commission to be paid to Apple. However, developers are required to pay a "core technology fee" of 0.5 euros.
