Apple releases iOS 17.4 beta, fully implements app sideloading and adjusts commission fees

Apple today released the first beta versions of iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 to the developer community. The official version is expected to be released to the majority of users in March.

Apple will introduce app sideloading functionality in iOS 17.4 to comply with the requirements of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This feature allows iPhone and iPad users to choose to download and install apps through third-party app markets other than the App Store. These alternative app markets will exist as iOS apps and have the ability to install other iOS apps on users' devices. To ensure user security and privacy, all apps need to go through a notarization process before being listed. This means that these applications must undergo rigorous review to ensure that their functions are accurate, safe and reliable, and do not excessively collect user private information. The purpose of this notarization process is to protect users’ rights and data security. Introducing app sideloading will give users more options to download and install apps. They can choose to use third-party app markets other than the App Store to get a wider selection of apps. This will promote competition in the digital market, improve user experience, and provide developers with more distribution channels. Overall, this initiative will increase the diversity and vitality of the application ecosystem.

Apple does not charge commissions on apps installed through other markets, and in the App Store update for EU regions, alternative payment systems are available without incurring Additional charges. This means developers have more options to integrate alternative payment processors into their apps, allowing users to complete the purchase and checkout process within the app. In addition, developers can also choose to guide users to the official website for purchase. These policies provide developers with greater flexibility and autonomy.

Although Apple will not take a commission from transactions in the third-party app market, it will still charge a fee called "core technology fee." Each developer account will be charged €0.50 per install per year, but the first 1 million installs are free. Only when the number of installations exceeds 1 million, charges will begin.

In addition to implementing the sideloading feature, Apple has also reduced App Store commission rates in the EU. The original 30% commission will be reduced to 17%, while the 15% commission paid for subscriptions of more than one year or for small businesses will be further reduced to 10%. This move is expected to bring more benefits to developers and promote the prosperity and development of the application ecosystem. This move is seen as Apple’s feedback to developers and its response to EU regulatory pressure. By lowering commission rates, developers will be able to earn greater profits and have more funds available for app development and improvements. This is not only good news for existing developers, but will also encourage more developers to enter Apple’s app ecosystem, thereby promoting competition and innovation in the app market

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