All articles tagged with #app distribution
Apple announced updates to iOS in Japan to comply with the Mobile Software Competition Act, introducing new app distribution and payment options, reducing App Store commissions, and enhancing privacy and safety features for children and users under 18, along with other iOS updates like browser choice and API enhancements.
F-Droid warns that Google's new app verification and registration fees could end the project by consolidating control over Android app distribution, raising concerns about monopolistic practices and calling for regulatory intervention, especially in light of ongoing legal challenges to Google's dominance.
The F-Droid project, which distributes open source Android apps, may end if Google's new developer registration rules are implemented, as they conflict with F-Droid's open and privacy-focused policies. Google argues the changes are for security, but F-Droid claims they threaten open source distribution and user freedom, prompting the project to seek regulatory scrutiny and public support.
Google will require all Android app developers, including those outside the Play Store, to verify their identities starting in 2026 to enhance security and reduce malware, affecting the global Android ecosystem with phased rollouts and special provisions for hobbyist developers.
Epic Games has submitted a proposed permanent injunction against Google, seeking to open up the Play Store and allow users to download apps from any source, as well as give developers and users the freedom to choose how they offer and pay for in-app purchases. The injunction also aims to prevent Google from retaliating against Epic or any app or developer for challenging app store practices. If approved, this could lead to significant changes in the Android app ecosystem, potentially allowing third-party app stores onto the Play Store without fees and access to its library of apps.
Epic Games has filed a proposed injunction to stop Google from restricting third-party app distribution outside the Google Play Store on Android devices, suggesting that competition on the platform would be opened up if the court orders Google to allow third-party app stores to be distributed for six years in the Google Play Store. If accepted, Google would be required to grant equal access to the Android operating system and platform features to all developers, allowing third-party app stores to become the app update owner and operate identically to apps downloaded from Google Play without imposing unnecessary distribution fees.
iOS 17.5 is expected to bring changes allowing EU users to download apps directly from eligible developers' websites and potential adjustments to Apple ID recovery contacts. The update is anticipated to be released before the end of May and may include "Web Distribution" for larger EU-based developers and improvements to recovery contact setup.
Apple will allow European app developers to distribute iOS apps directly from their websites, but only those who had an app installed by over 1 million users in the EU the previous year will qualify. This move is part of Apple's efforts to comply with new European rules. The Web Distribution option will become available after a software update "later this spring," and developers must meet specific criteria to be eligible. Additionally, a new fee called Core Technology Fee (CTF) will apply to app installs, but the first million installs each year will be free. This comes after complaints from companies like Spotify and Epic Games about the Core Technology Fee and other terms, alleging that Apple is not complying with Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Google has agreed to pay $700 million and make changes to its Play app store as part of an antitrust settlement with U.S. states and consumers. The settlement includes a $630 million fund for consumer compensation and a $70 million fund for states. Eligible consumers will receive at least $2 and potentially more based on their spending on Google Play. The settlement resolves allegations that Google overcharged consumers through restrictions on app distribution and in-app transaction fees. Google denies wrongdoing and states that the settlement allows for choice and competition while maintaining security protections.
Epic Games rejected a $147 million deal proposed by Google to put Fortnite on Google Play in 2018, citing the high cost of the 30% store tax. Epic argued in court that the process of sideloading apps onto Android devices deters users, making them more likely to rely on the Google Play store. Internal Google documents revealed that the company was aware of the install friction and potential revenue loss caused by Fortnite's absence from the Play store. Google's offer would have seen them invest $147 million into Epic over three years. Epic eventually brought Fortnite to Google Play 18 months later but was later removed for enabling direct payments, leading to the current antitrust lawsuit against Google.
Facebook's parent company Meta is planning to run a pilot program in the EU that will allow Facebook users to download apps directly from ads on the platform, bypassing the App Store and Google Play Store. This move aims to challenge the monopoly held by Apple and Google over app distribution on iOS and Android devices. The program will initially be available for Android apps later this year and for iOS apps next year. Facebook will not take a cut of in-app purchases like Apple and Google do, and app developers will have the freedom to use their preferred billing system. The pilot program is in response to EU lawmakers' concerns about the control and fees imposed by Apple and Google, and it aligns with the upcoming Digital Markets ACT (DMA) that will require Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones in the EU.
Facebook's parent company Meta is planning to run a pilot program in the EU that will allow Facebook users to download apps directly from ads on the platform, bypassing the App Store and Google Play Store. This move aims to challenge the monopoly held by Apple and Google over app distribution. Initially, Facebook will not take a cut of in-app purchases, and developers will have the freedom to use their preferred billing system. The program will start with Android apps later this year and iOS apps next year. Apple will be required to allow sideloading in the EU next spring when the Digital Markets ACT (DMA) is expected to take effect.