More details and analysis are available for upcoming updates for European Union.
Core Technology Fee calculator shows that freemium model might not work with alternate marketplaces. If developer agrees to new business terms (allowing both App Store and external distribution) fee comes into effect and could lead to significant amount of payments even for free apps. Developers then will rely on in-app purchases and subscriptions to cover that fee.
Apple provides more info on browsers could be selected as default in EU on iOS.
iPadOS App Store is not covered by updated EU rules. Users will not be able to install browsers with different engines, or pick different default browser too.
Users in EU will be able to change default Wallet app. However, that would require them to use Wallet manually for Apple Pay cards, RoomKey and CarKeys.
TestFlight will be available for all developers in EU.
Also, more details are available on the iOS 17.4 beta itself. Podcasts now get AI-based transcriptions for episodes. Siri now can read incoming messages using various languages. Stolen device protection might be increased to always have security time delay – even in known locations.
New CarPlay apps are available in iOS 17.4 – targeting new CarPlay experience which should be available in 2024.
References and further reading:
- Apple's EU Core Technology Fee Could Bankrupt Freemium App Developers
- DMA Compliance: Alternative App Stores But No Sideloading
- iOS 17.4 Beta: All the New Changes
- iOS 17.4 beta 1: Here are all the new features and changes
- Apple changes App Store rules in the EU, and the world watches
- Apple Confirms Next-Generation CarPlay Launching in 2024, Reveals New Features in iOS 17.4 Beta
- Apple and iOS 17.4 reaffirm this is the year next-gen CarPlay takes over select cars
- Here Are All the iPhone Changes Coming to EU Users by March 6
- Apple Further Explains iOS 17.4's New Default Browser Prompt in EU
- DMA Compliance: Alternative Payments
- DMA Compliance: App Analytics and User Data Portability
- DMA Compliance: Interoperability Requests
- DMA Compliance: Alternative Browser Engines
- DMA Compliance: Default App Controls and NFC
- Apple's TestFlight system will remain open to all EU developers
- iPad users will miss out on third-party app stores, browser engines, and more
- Apple's EU App Store Changes: iPads, TestFlight, Default Stores and More
- Mozilla is 'Extremely Disappointed' With Implementation of Apple's EU Browser Engine Change
- Apple Music SharePlay control expands from CarPlay to HomePod and Apple TV
- iOS 17.4 Includes Podcast Transcripts