iOS 17.5 Beta 2 Brings Supports for Installing iPhone Apps via Websites: Report

iOS 17.5 Beta 2 was released to beta testers on Tuesday, along with new functionality and features that are expected to arrive on eligible iPhone models next month. One of the most notable changes coming with iOS 17.5 will be the ability to install apps directly from websites for users in the European Union, making it easier for developers to distribute apps without what Apple calls marketplaces. alternative applications as well as the App Store. Recently introduced changes related to third-party app stores, the ability to download apps from websites will only be available in the EU.

MacRumors discovered that the ability to download apps directly from websites has been introduced in the second beta version of iOS 17.5 that was released on Tuesday. Last month, Apple released iOS 17.4 which introduced support for alternative app markets in the EU, while the next update will expand sideloading by allowing users to visit a developer's website to install apps outside from the App Store.

Last month, Apple announced it was working on a new web distribution feature designed to let users download apps directly from EU developer websites. The company calls it Web Distribution, and it will allow authorized developers to distribute their apps through their websites, while also having access to iOS application programming interfaces (APIs) for backup support and restoration, along with iOS integration and automatic updates without using an app. store

It's worth noting that not all developers will automatically be eligible for web distribution. Apple previously stated that it will require developers to be part of its developer program for two years, have an app with at least one million downloads in the EU, and be registered as an organization (or have a subsidiary legal entity) that is “incorporated , domiciled and/or registered in the EU”.

Even if developers choose to distribute their apps through their website using Web Distribution, Apple has also stated that it will charge them a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of 0.50 euros (roughly Rs. 45) for each install annual application of more than one million. The company will exempt non-profit organizations from CTF fees and the Apple Developer Program membership fee in the EU.