Tag: App Store

A lot of important developer updates happened today.

Apple publishes first beta for iOS/iPadOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4. First beta for Xcode 15.3 is also available.

Apple introduces new ways of app distribution in European Union in order to comply with DMA regulations. Also, new business models are introduced with reduced commissions and new Core Technology Fee for app installations.

Developers will be able to submit marketplace apps. There are specific rules on how to run an alternative application marketplace, including letter of credit for €1m to ensure developer responsibilities.

Also, financial organizations will be able to use NFC chip to provide contactless payment capabilities through their apps.

Apps distributed outside the App Store will have to go through notarization process (similar to macOS app notarization). This will conduct automatic analysis of the app for potential malware.

App Store apps will have an option to use third party payment providers. This apps will be marked in listings to indicate use of external payment systems.

New business terms for apps distributed in EU will provide smaller commission (10% for small business and ongoing subscriptions, 17% for everything else, payment processing fee of 3%) and Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per installation (first 1 million of app installs are "free" of this fee).

App Store in EU will allow browsers to use different engine and avoid using WebKit if needed. Also, users in EU will be able to pick their default browser on iOS and iPadOS.

Developers will be able to request for additional interoperability features to access hardware and software of Apple devices in EU.

Some Family Sharing and ScreenTime features might not work with side loaded apps.

Apple also explains why these changes are not worldwide, citing security concerns and users' interests.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

• iOS & iPadOS 17.4 Beta Release Notes
• tvOS 17.4 Beta Release Notes
• Xcode 15.3 Beta Release Notes

Apple Newsroom: Apple announces changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union

Apple Developer:

• Updated App Store Review Guidelines now available
• Update on apps distributed in the European Union
• Using alternative browser engines in the European Union
• HCE-based contactless transactions for banking and wallet apps in the European Economic Area
• Getting started as an alternative app marketplace in the European Union
• Estimating fee changes for apps distributed in the EU
• MarketplaceKit

References:

• Apple Details How It Plans to Comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act
• iOS 17.4 Introduces Alternative App Marketplaces With No Commission in EU
• Apple will prompt users to set default browsers and allow third-party web engines on iPhone in the EU
• Apple announces reduced commission structure for apps in Europe
• Apple explains why it will not make major iOS policy changes outside of the EU
• Apple Opens Up NFC to Third-Party Apps in EU, Allowing New Tap-to-Pay Options
• iOS 17.4 Beta Adds New Emoji: Shaking Head, Lime, Phoenix, Brown Mushroom and More
• Here’s how Apple will label apps to inform and protect EU users when sideloading
• Apple says third-party app marketplace creators must have €1,000,000 ‘letter of credit’
• Apple updates Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.4 beta with option to always require a security delay
• Apple Warns That Some Screen Time and Sharing Features Won't Work With Alternative App Distribution in the EU
• iOS 17.4 lets Siri read messages in additional languages, not just the primary language
• Apple Limiting Alternative App Stores and Payments to EU Due to Malware, Fraud and Scam Risks
• Apple now lets developers submit ‘interoperability requests’ for iOS apps in the EU
• iOS 17.4 beta hints at new iPad with landscape Face ID camera
• Apple Pencil 3 will be the first to offer Find My feature, iPadOS 17.4 suggests
• Full, automatic podcast transcripts coming to iOS 17.4
• These Are the Countries Where You Can Install Apps Outside of the iOS App Store
• This is How Notarization Will Work for iOS Apps Distributed Through Alternative App Stores

US Supreme Court upholds initial rulings in Epic v Apple case. This ruling required Apple to allow developers to use external payment methods for digital goods in their apps.

Apple complies with this decision by providing developers with special entitlement and requirements on how to direct users outside the app.

Separate support page was created to describe the process.

Apple still intends to get commission from developers based on their financial reporting to Apple. Base commission will be 27% (instead of 30% for in-app purchases), small business program commission will be 12% (instead of 15%).

Each developer using the entitlement should provide transaction reports to Apple within 15 calendar day following end of the calendar month. Apple reserves the right to conduct audits on entitlement use and reports.

It is expected that companies and regulators might still pursue legal actions against Apple addressing commissions and limitations of the process.

Apple Developer:

• StoreKit and review guideline update
• Distributing apps in the U.S. that provide an external purchase link

References and further reading:

• Supreme Court upholds Apple vs. Epic ruling, Apple must allow app developers to link to other payment systems
• U.S. Developers Can Now Offer Non-App Store Purchasing Option, But Apple Will Still Collect Commissions
• Supreme Court Rejects Petitions in Epic v. Apple Antitrust Case, Largely a Win for Apple
• Tim Sweeney on the SCOTUS Ruling
• Apple revises US App Store rules to let developers link to outside payment methods, but it will still charge a commission
• Post-SCOTUS Ruling, Apple Releases Guidelines for ‘External Purchase Links’ in iOS Apps (Spoiler: They Still Demand the Same Commissions)
• Apple’s 27% response to the Supreme Court decision is baiting antitrust regulators
• ★ Coming to Grips With Apple’s Seemingly Unshakable Sense of Entitlement to Its Commissions From Third-Party iOS Apps
• Apple Set to Collect $73 Million in Legal Fees From Epic Games

Some details are shared by various sources.

It is reported that Apple Vision Pro will have M2 chip with 8 CPU and 10 GPU cores. Maxed out GPU cores for M2 chip means slightly better graphics performance available for the device.

Interestingly, Apple Vision Pro lacks Ultra Wideband and WiFi 6E support.

Also, reviewers claim that on-screen keyboard does not provide enough usability to be considered a regular tool. Users expecting to be more typing will need Bluetooth physical keyboard.

It is also expected that Apple Vision Pro might launch outside US in time before WWDC24.

Also, Vision Pro App Store launches. App Store Connect is updated to provide developers an option to distribute visionOS apps.

Apple Newsroom: Apple previews new entertainment experiences launching with Apple Vision Pro

References:

• Apple Vision Pro M2 Chip Said to Have 10 GPU, 8 CPU Cores
• Apple Vision Pro Virtual Keyboard Blasted As 'Complete Write-Off'
• Vision Pro: Here are the productivity and streaming apps you can expect
• Apple Announces Streaming Services and Sports Apps Available on Vision Pro at Launch
• Apple Vision Pro set to launch outside of the US before WWDC, Kuo says
• Apple Vision Pro App Store Launches
• First visionOS-ready apps now rolling out on the App Store
• Vision Pro Hands-On: Reviewers Comment on Weight, Disney+ Experience, Virtual Keyboard and More
• Apple Vision Pro Lacks Wi-Fi 6E Support
• Apple Vision Pro appears to lack Ultra Wideband and the latest Wi-Fi used in Macs

Apple announces that Vision Pro will be available for purchase in US starting on February 2, 2024. Preorders will start on January 19, 2024. Headset comes with two set of straps. Optical inserts (reading and prescription lenses) will be sold separately.

Vision Pro comes with 256Gb of storage. Higher storage options are now likely.

Battery lifetime for video playback is now evaluated as 2.5 hours.

Digital Persona will be available on launch as beta.

Apple Stores in US will start providing live demos of Apple Vision Pro on February 2 on first-come-first-served basis.

Apple releases Xcode 15.2 with official support for visionOS applications. New page is published explaining details of visionOS app development.

For instance, Apple recommends not to use "AR" and "VR" terms in the visionOS apps. Preferred term is "spatial computing app".

Developers need to declare motion information for the apps – if app contains quick camera angle changes, this should be described in App Store Connect.

Apple Newsroom: Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2

Apple Developer: Submit your apps to the App Store for Apple Vision Pro

Release notes: Xcode 15.2 Release Notes

References:

• Vision Pro launching on February 2, pre-orders begin next week
• Apple Announces February 2 Launch Date for Vision Pro Headset
• Apple Announces Vision Pro Pre-Orders and Availability
• Prescription lenses for Vision Pro to cost $149 – far less than predicted
• Here’s everything that Apple includes in the Vision Pro box
• Apple Vision Pro Ships With Dual Loop Band and More, Starts With 256GB of Storage
• Apple increases Vision Pro battery life estimate for video playback
• Vision Pro Pre-Orders Start January 19 (Next Friday), Available Starting February 2
• Apple teases ‘spatial games’ and over 150 3D movies for Vision Pro
• Vision Pro’s Persona feature will be considered a ‘beta’ at launch
• Apple Vision Pro demos in retail stores will begin on February 2
• Apple Offering Vision Pro Demos Starting on February 2
• Xcode is officially ready for Apple Vision Pro apps
• Apple Releases New Versions of TestFlight and Xcode With Vision Pro Support, Starts Accepting visionOS Apps
• Apple Vision Pro Available February 2

New regulation is in development to allow Japan companies to have their App Store competitors on mobile platforms and allow payments to be processed via local financial companies.

No exact details on upcoming regulation is yet know.

Nikkei Asia: Japan to crack down on Apple and Google app store monopolies

References:

• Japan prepares regulation requiring Apple to allow sideloading in iOS
• Japan Preparing EU-Style Law to Force Apple to Allow App Sideloading and More

Updates to Apple Developer Program License Agreement are mostly clarifications and do not impose any new significant requirements or restrictions.

The revisions include:

• Definitions, Section 3.3.3(N): Updated "Tap to Present ID" to "ID Verifier"
• Definitions, Section 14.10: Updated terms regarding governing law and venue
• Section 3.3: Reorganized and categorized provisions for clarity
• Section 3.3.3(B): Clarified language on privacy and third-party SDKs
• Section 6.7: Updated terms regarding analytics
• Section 12: Clarified warranty disclaimer language
• Attachment 1: Updated terms for use of Apple Push Notification Service and Local Notifications
• Attachment 9: Updated terms for Xcode Cloud compute hours included with Apple Developer Program membership

Apple Developer

Apple Developer:

• Updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement now available
• Apple Developer Program License Agreement

Apple notifies developers that apps distributed in Australia could be a subject to Australia Online Safety Act.

Industry codes or standards made under the Australian Online Safety Act may apply when you make your app available on the App Store in Australia. As a reminder, you’re responsible for compliance with any applicable industry codes or standards.

Apple Developer Relations

Act regulates various electronic services and establishes requirements to providers of these services.

eSafety Commissioner: Industry codes and standards

Apple is piloting new feature to help with pricing adjustments for subscriptions allowing to adjust prices according to other active subscriptions.

Contingent pricing for subscriptions on the App Store — a new feature that helps you attract and retain subscribers — lets you give customers a discounted subscription price as long as they’re actively subscribed to a different subscription. It can be used for subscriptions from one developer or two different developers. We’re currently piloting this feature and will be onboarding more developers in the coming months. If you’re interested in implementing contingent pricing in your app, you can start planning today and sign up to get notified when more details are available in January.

Apple Developer

Pricing discounts could be configured for different subscriptions.

How it works

Contingent pricing can be used for subscriptions from one developer or two different developers. For example, you might offer Ocean Journal premium subscribers the opportunity to subscribe to Mountain Climber for a discounted price of $4.99/month instead of the regular $5.99/month. Customers pay the discounted price as long as they remain Ocean Journal subscribers.

Customers can discover these pricing discounts within your app, in off-platform marketing channels, and in planned placements on the App Store. Apple helps you manage implementation, providing customers with a seamless redemption and purchasing experience based on the contingent price proposition you provide.

Apple

Feature is being piloted right now and more details are expected in January 2024.

Apple Developer:

• Announcing contingent pricing for subscriptions
• Contingent pricing

Apple announced requirements to provide privacy manifests for third party SDKs on WWDC23.

Starting in spring 2024, if your new app or app update submission adds a third-party SDK that is commonly used in apps on the App Store, you’ll need to include the privacy manifest for the SDK. Signatures are also required when the SDK is used as a binary dependency. This functionality is a step forward for all apps, and we encourage all SDKs to adopt it to better support the apps that depend on them.

Apple Developer

Additionally, developers will have to provide clarifications for some API usage. APIs that could be used for device fingerprinting will require clarifications for App Store review.

Starting in spring 2024, in order to upload your new app or app update to App Store Connect, you’ll be required to include an approved reason in the app’s privacy manifest which accurately reflects how your app uses the API.

Apple Developer

Apple Developer: Privacy updates for App Store submissions

Apple announces that App Store review team will work through holidays, but review time might be increased.

The busiest season on the App Store is almost here! Make sure your apps and games are up to date and ready in advance of the upcoming holidays. We’ll remain open throughout the season and look forward to accepting your submissions. On average, 90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours. However, reviews may take a bit longer to complete from December 22 to 27.

Apple Developer

Apple Developer: Get your apps ready for the holidays