With the Digital Markets Act (DMA) soon taking effect, a new report claims that Apple has plans to still charge developers a fee that it would need to pay the company for its offer of sideloaded apps. One of the main reasons behind sideloading is to escape the exclusive distribution of the app stores present, but Apple is allegedly not letting this go easily for iOS.
The European Commission's Digital Markets Act is opening up the market much to the delight of users, but several companies are not fully onboard, with Apple best known for its reservations against it.
Apple to Charge Developers a Fee for Sideloading
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The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple is planning to charge developers an extra fee if they offer sideloaded apps to the public, and this is amidst the upcoming enforcement of the EU's DMA in the region. Cupertino said that it will collect fees from those who bring apps outside the Apple App Store, particularly for those in the European region.
Despite the EU's allowance of sideloading the apps outside the App Store, Apple will not forego its fees for developers, also with its 'app review rules' enforcement.
According to Engadget, this is in line with Apple's recent policy change effected last week, centering on the US App Store's provision that allows third-party payment channel options for customers and developers.
One of the goals of the EU's Digital Markets Act is to open a fair and equal experience from the technology present now, and this includes the many app stores and online platforms. While this new policy mainly affects Apple which went against sideloading for a long time, other policies also apply to the likes of Google, Meta, Amazon, and more, taking on the antitrust.
Sideloading Apps: The Massive Debate
The massive debate regarding sideloading apps has long been heard from both sides, from regulatory agencies or bodies to renowned tech companies that will be under their jurisdiction. The EU's DMA is one of the earliest to enforce this against Big Tech, with Apple best known for contradicting this move, saying that sideloading is a potential danger to users.
Apple went as far as to dedicate time and resources to security research which it released before, sharing how sideloading is a risk for all, especially as they come unverified by the famed App Store platform. Additionally, it argued against sideloading, presenting its case behind why it should not be allowed for users and developers to choose from, in downloading apps.
However, it is not up to Apple to decide on this as the European Commission is set to bring sideloading for its constituents will soon enjoy more options for their needs, including third-party payment platforms. In the latest report, the looming enforcement of the EU's DMA will require Apple to allow the downloading and installation of sideloaded apps, but it is said that Cupertino will still charge developers for it.
