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In a recent development, Apple has announced that the app ecosystem changes it made for iOS in the European Union will also be rolled out to iPadOS this fall. This move follows the European Commission's decision to classify iPadOS as a gatekeeper platform under the Digital Markets Act. This decision will have a profound impact on the way apps can be distributed and used on iPads in the EU.
Adaptation to the regulatory requirements of the EU is a significant step for Apple as the company needs to ensure that both iOS and iPadOS comply with the new regulations. These changes could not only change the app landscape in the EU but also offer new opportunities for developers and users. It is important to understand what changes are being implemented and how they will affect iPad users and the developer community.
Distribution of iPad apps outside the App Store
Starting in autumn, developers in the EU will be able to publish their iPad apps via alternative app marketplaces or their own websites drive outThis means that developers are no longer tied exclusively to the App Store to offer their applications to users. This opening to alternative marketplaces could lead to a more diversified app environment and promote competition.
Adjustments to the Core Technology Fee
One important change is the introduction of a Core Technology Fee (CTF) for apps distributed outside the App Store that achieve more than one million initial installations per year. However, this fee does not affect small developers, for whom exceptions apply, as Apple has also confirmed. This move could help smaller developers strengthen their position in the market and drive innovation.
equal treatment of iOS and iPadOS
Another important aspect of the new rules is that users who install the same app on iOS and iPadOS within a 12-month period will only count it as a single initial installation. This could help more developers stay under the CTF threshold and thus pay fewer fees.
Regional restrictions
It is important to note that the above changes will only apply to developers distributing their apps in the European Union and to users in the EU. For the rest of the world, distribution mechanisms will remain unchanged and apps will continue to be available exclusively through the App Store.
iPadOS and iOS: Uniform changes in the EU app landscape
Apple's announcement that iPadOS will undergo the same EU app changes as iOS this fall marks a significant moment for the app ecosystem in Europe. While these changes represent an adjustment for developers and users, they also offer the opportunity to create a more open and flexible app landscape. It remains to be seen how these new regulations will impact the market and how quickly developers and users will embrace the new freedoms. (Photo by Bigc Studio / Bigstockphoto)
