Apple has officially announced sideloading and third-party app stores for EU users

Just a few days ago, we reported on Apple's plans to allow sideloading for EU users, and today, the company has officially announced that in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), iOS users in the EU will be able to download third-party app stores outside of the official Apple App Store with the arrival of the next version of iOS 17.4 in March. These alternate stores still must pass Apple's approval process, and users must explicitly allow these approved stores to download apps onto their devices.

Developers now have the option to use either Apple’s payment services or third-party payment systems without extra charges. If they opt for Apple's in-app payment system, a 3 percent processing fee applies. Despite these changes, Apple intends to maintain control over the app distribution process, with all apps needing to be "notarized" by the companty. Distribution through third-party stores will still be overseen by Apple's systems, limiting developers to offering only one app version across different stores, preventing the availability of more updated versions externally.

Apple has also restructured its fee system for developers. Depending on their distribution method, developers might not have to pay any commission to the company. The new structure includes a 17 percent commission for apps using alternative payment systems, a decrease from 30 percent. For apps eligible for Apple’s "small business" rate, the commission is further reduced to 10 percent, with an added 3 percent fee for those using Apple’s payment system. There's also a new €0.50 Core Technology Fee per annual app install after a million annual installs in the EU for those using external systems.

Note that sideloading is limited to EU users, while the major development for US users so far is the option for external payments, albeit with a 27% commission fee.