In Apple’s latest move responding to EU regulations, the company just announced iOS developers can now begin testing third-party apps and marketplaces. But there’s already controversy brewing over the strict terms devs must agree to.
This new developer program comes as Apple complies with the EU’s Digital Markets Act intended to promote iOS competition. Devs who sign Apple’s business agreement get access to new App Store Connect tools and APIs to prep apps and services. Beta testing then flows through Apple’s TestFlight platform as usual.
But many big names are slamming Apple’s approach as too limiting. Major figures like the CEOs of Spotify, Epic, and Xbox have voiced concerns over Cupertino’s restrictive policies stifling true iOS openness.
These updated dev terms kick in fully by March 2024. The EU will reevaluate then whether Apple violated the spirit of the DMA’s mandate for fair third-party access. So there’s a real chance regulators could force even bigger changes if this current offering is deemed inadequate.
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For now, the test program does technically enable iOS developers to start experimenting with building platforms beyond Apple’s walls. But criticism over the controversial rules suggests the fight for iOS openness is far from over.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on how developers engage with the new tools as availability expands over the coming year. This tug-of-war between Apple and EU authorities seems likely to endure some further public clashes. But in the end, iOS users stand to benefit the most from increased app store choice.