iOS
Apple has introduced a new fee for apps in response to the EU’s gatekeeper rules
Apple has unveiled a series of upcoming updates to iOS in the European Union, which will include a new fee for developers. These changes are part of the iPhone maker’s efforts to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the bloc’s competition reform initiative.
In September, the EU classified Apple as one of six “gatekeepers” under the DMA, identifying the iOS App Store and Safari browser as “core platform services.” The regulation places a set of responsibilities and limitations on gatekeepers. Apple is being compelled to accept sideloading of apps, along with other alterations. The gatekeepers must comply with the DMA by March 7, which is the deadline.
Today, Apple announced the availability of iOS 17.4 in beta. According to Apple, this update will assist developers in getting ready for the upcoming changes to its mobile platform. To meet the EU’s compliance deadline, these changes will go into effect next month.
During a background briefing with journalists prior to the beta launch, Apple revealed that it has dedicated significant time and effort to developing its solution in order to meet the requirements of the DMA. However, it also cautioned that certain modifications may introduce additional vulnerabilities for users. This echoes a well-established concern about sideloading, as it has the potential to compromise the security and privacy of iOS users.
Apple has announced upcoming changes for iOS developers who distribute apps in the European Economic Area (EEA). These changes include:
- Exciting developments have emerged in the realm of distributing iOS apps, with the introduction of fresh APIs and tools that empower developers to make their iOS apps available for download from various alternative app marketplaces.
- Introducing a cutting-edge framework and APIs that empower developers to build their own app marketplaces. With this innovative solution, marketplace developers can effortlessly install apps and seamlessly handle updates on behalf of other developers, all within their dedicated marketplace app.
- Introducing new frameworks and APIs that empower developers to utilize different browser engines is expanding the possibilities for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences beyond just WebKit.
- A form is available for developers to submit requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.
There was new information last week regarding an offer that Apple made to the EU in an effort to end an antitrust investigation involving Apple Pay. Today, it was indicated that the proposed changes to contactless payments on iOS are in line with industry standards. These changes include new APIs that enable developers to utilize NFC technology in their banking and wallet apps across the EEA. Additionally, users will have the ability to choose a third-party contactless payment app or an alternative app marketplace as their default option.
As with the various changes Apple is introducing today, it will be the responsibility of the European Commission to evaluate their compliance with the DMA and determine if they meet the legal requirements.
If EU regulators determine that Apple’s modifications do not align with the DMA, it may result in substantial fines amounting to 10% of their global annual turnover and compel Apple to reconsider their approach.
Introducing fresh business terminology and an additional fee for essential technology.
Alongside the various DMA-focused changes that developers will have access to, Apple is also rolling out new business terms in Europe. These terms include the implementation of a new fee known as the “Core Technology Fee.”
This appears to be designed to guarantee that Apple can still receive a portion of the revenue in certain situations, even if developers choose to go beyond its controlled environment. This could include distributing their apps through other app stores or directing users to their own websites to make payments for additional content.
According to Apple, iOS apps that are downloaded from the App Store or another app marketplace will incur a fee of €0.50 for each initial installation per year if the number of installations exceeds 1 million.
Developers who wish to utilize the newly announced features, such as the option to distribute their apps through different app stores, are required to agree to the updated business terms.
“The new business terms for apps in the EU are crucial to meet the DMA’s requirements for alternative distribution and payment processing,” stated Apple in a press release. Apple’s fee structure is designed to acknowledge the various ways in which they contribute to the success of developers’ businesses. This includes providing distribution and discovery opportunities on the App Store, secure payment processing, a trusted mobile platform, and a range of tools and technology to facilitate the creation and sharing of innovative apps with users worldwide.
As part of the new business terms, Apple is adjusting the percentage it receives from digital purchases made on iOS apps in its App Store. This adjustment applies to transactions involving digital goods and services, with a reduced cut of 17%. Additionally, for the majority of developers and subscriptions after their first year, Apple will only take a 10% share.
Apple will charge a payment processing fee of an extra 3% for iOS apps on the App Store that wish to utilize their own payment technology.
However, developers have the option to utilize a different payment service provider within their app or direct users to their website for payment processing without incurring any extra charges from Apple.
In addition, Apple announced that developers will have the option to continue with its current business terms. This means that they can still collect a commission on in-app purchases made through apps on the App Store, with the standard rate being 30% (or 15% for small businesses).
Developers can choose their own terms and still have access to the App Store’s payment processing technology and distribution platform in the EU, according to Apple.
According to the new business terms, the tech giant predicts that the majority of developers will either decrease or keep the fees they owe.
Additionally, it indicates that a very small percentage of developers will be required to pay the Core Technology Fee for their EU apps. This fee is specifically aimed at apps that have achieved significant popularity, such as being installed on millions of iOS devices.
Apple is defending the implementation of the new fee by stating that it accurately represents the worth of its technology platform and services, which are separate from the App Store’s capabilities and distribution.
Although the DMA requires app stores to allow sideloading, it does not enforce any particular business models on them. Yet, it is uncertain if Apple’s strategic adjustments to its business terms in the EU, along with the options it is offering to developers, will meet the approval of regulators.
According to Article 6(12) of the DMA:
The gatekeeper shall apply fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory general conditions of access for business users to its software application stores, online search engines and online social networking services listed in the designation decision pursuant to Article 3(9).
In order to avoid violating the DMA, Apple will have to convincingly argue that the framework it has developed is “equitable, rational, and unbiased.”
As part of its updates, Apple is introducing several new features to its platform. These features include notarization for iOS apps, which involves a thorough review process to ensure platform integrity and user protection. It will include both automated checks and human reviews. Apple is also implementing app installation sheets, which provide users with concise descriptions and functionality overviews before downloading an app. Additionally, Apple will require marketplace developers to meet ongoing requirements to safeguard users and developers. Lastly, Apple is enhancing its malware protections to prevent iOS apps from launching if they are found to contain malware after installation.
During the last press event, Apple emphasized that the modifications mandated by the EU would introduce whole new vulnerabilities for iOS users.
The business emphasized the security concern of allowing iOS applications to install other apps on the user’s device, which Apple refers to as “marketplace apps.” This is considered a typical method for malware attacks. While its reps said that there has never been a prevalent consumer malware assault on iOS up until now,.
Developers who agree to Apple’s new business rules will have the opportunity to create alternative app stores, also known as marketplace applications. However, they will still be required to go through Apple’s app review process and fulfill certain criteria that aim to safeguard consumers and developers.
Additional modifications are forthcoming, addressing various DMA requirements regarding Apple’s App Store and Safari browser. Some of these changes appear to be aimed at prompting iOS users to exercise caution before choosing any non-Apple alternatives. One such change involves the introduction of a choice screen, which will allow iOS users to designate their default browser. This screen will present a range of competing browsers alongside Apple’s Safari browser. Furthermore, developers will now have the capability to offer browsers that are not reliant on the WebKit browser engine. Apple has introduced new labels on the App Store product pages to notify users when an app they are downloading uses a different payment processing system. Additionally, in-app disclosure sheets will inform users when they are no longer making transactions with Apple and when a developer is directing them to use an alternative payment processor. Apple has introduced new procedures for reviewing apps. These procedures aim to ensure that developers provide accurate information about transactions involving alternative payment processors. Additionally, Apple has expanded the data portability feature on its Data & Privacy site. This allows users in the European Union to access and export new data about their App Store usage to an authorized third party.
One strategy Apple may use to encourage customers to continue using its own payment technology for third-party applications is by notifying iOS users when they are no longer doing transactions with Apple. However, Apple may argue that this is only an “equitable and rational” cautionary message sent to its customers when they go outside its controlled environment.
The DMA grants gatekeepers the authority to implement “strictly necessary and proportionate” actions to safeguard the integrity of the hardware, software, or operating systems they offer. This includes protecting against potential risks posed by third-party apps and stores as well as complying with the interoperability requirements mandated by the DMA. It’s crucial to remember that the gatekeeper must justify any measures taken.
Apple has announced another update that would allow developers to provide a streaming game app store.
In response to Apple’s action, Epic Games, which had previously filed a lawsuit against the tech giant in the United States on the terms of the App Store, expressed their disapproval. They referred to their offering in the European Union as “malicious compliance” and criticized it for including excessive and unnecessary costs.
Android
Airchat, developed by Naval Ravikant, is a social application that focuses on conversation rather than written messages
Airchat is a recently developed social media application that promotes and encourages users to engage in open and spontaneous conversations.
Last year, a previous iteration of Airchat was released. However, yesterday the team, which included Naval Ravikant, the founder of AngelList, and Brian Norgard, a former product executive for Tinder, rebuilt the application and reintroduced it on both iOS and Android platforms. At present, Airchat is exclusively accessible via invitation. However, it has already achieved a ranking of #27 in the social networking category on Apple’s App Store.
Airchat has a user interface that is visually familiar and easy to understand. Users can follow other users, navigate through a feed of posts, and interact with those posts by replying, liking, and sharing them. The distinction comes from the fact that the content consists of audio recordings for both posts and replies, which are subsequently converted into written form by the application.
Airchat automatically starts sending messages, which you can quickly navigate through by vertically swiping up and down. If you have the desire, you have the option to pause the audio and only read the text. Additionally, users have the capability to exchange photographs and videos. However, it appears that audio is the main point of interest for everyone, and Ravikant explains that it has the potential to significantly change the way social apps function, especially when contrasted to text-based platforms.
Upon my recent enrollment in Airchat, the majority of the messages I encountered pertained to the application itself. Notably, Ravikant and Norgard actively engaged in responding to inquiries and seeking input from users.
“All humans are inherently capable of harmonious interactions with one another; it simply necessitates the use of our innate communication abilities,” Ravikant stated. “The prevalence of online text-only media has created the false belief that people are unable to get along, when in reality, everyone is capable of getting along.”
Past instances have seen digital entrepreneurs placing their bets on speech as the upcoming significant trend in social media. However, Airchat’s utilization of asynchronous, threaded messages provides a distinct experience compared to the transient live chat rooms that briefly gained popularity on Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces. Norgard claimed that this method eliminates the obstacle of stage fright when it comes to participation, as individuals have the freedom to make multiple attempts at producing a message without anybody being aware.
Indeed, he stated that during discussions with the first users, the team discovered that the majority of individuals currently utilizing AirChat exhibit introverted and timid characteristics.
Personally, I have not yet persuaded myself to publish anything. I was primarily intrigued by observing how other individuals were utilizing the application. Additionally, I had a complex emotional connection with the auditory perception of my own speech.
However, there is value in listening to Ravikant and Norgard articulate their perspective instead of solely relying on written transcriptions, as the latter may overlook subtle aspects such as excitement and tone. I am particularly interested in observing how deadpan humor and shitposting are conveyed, or not, in audio format.
I also encountered some difficulty with the velocity. The application automatically sets the audio playing to double the normal speed, which I found to be artificial, especially considering that the main purpose is to promote human interaction. To reset the speed, simply press and hold the pause button. However, when the speed is set to 1x, I observed that I would begin to skim through longer postings while listening, and I would often jump forward before listening to the entire audio. However, perhaps that is acceptable.
However, Ravikant’s conviction in the efficacy of speech to reduce hostility does not always obviate the requirement for content-filtering functionalities. According to him, the feed operates based on intricate regulations that aim to conceal spam, trolls, and those that either you or they may prefer not to receive messages from. However, at the time of publication, he had not yet replied to a subsequent user inquiry regarding content moderation.
When questioned about monetization, namely the introduction of advertisements, whether in audio format or otherwise, Ravikant stated that the company is currently not under any obligation to generate revenue. (He characterized himself as “not the exclusive investor” but rather as a significant stakeholder in the company.)
“Monetization is of little importance to me,” he stated. “We will operate this project with minimal financial resources if necessary.”
Apple News is now conducting a trial of a new game called Quartiles for iOS 17.5. The objective of the game is for players to arrange a grid of 20 syllables into 5 words, each consisting of four syllables. The New York Times’ most recent successful release, Connections, has a striking resemblance to the UI of Quartiles, as Gadget Hacks has noted. Did Apple News plagiarize or copy the New York Times?
Quartiles differ from connections in that they do not involve the organization of 16 words into four contiguous groups of four. It can be compared to Boggle, as it evaluates your skill in constructing words from their constituent parts. However, the act of discovering sets of four has become particularly captivating to us lately. Currently, Connections has surpassed all other games and is currently the second most popular game in the Times, following Wordle.
Apple introduced crossword puzzles and small crossword puzzles as a new feature exclusively for Apple News+ subscribers last year. Despite the unconventional nature of a news aggregator investing in gaming, the New York Times has found success in doing so. In 2022, the newspaper acquired the game Wordle for an undisclosed amount in the range of seven figures. This acquisition resulted in the addition of “tens of millions” of new users within a single quarter. According to recent data from the Times, consumers have been dedicating a greater amount of time to playing the newspaper’s games compared to reading the news.
The New York Times is now a gaming company on the basis of customer time spent
(From ValueAct, Data estimated by Yipit, Source: https://t.co/hdSkS5oF25) pic.twitter.com/vEfickAyup
— Matthew Ball (@ballmatthew) March 31, 2024
Apple is currently conducting beta testing for Quartiles; however, this does not guarantee its inclusion in iOS 17.5. Considering the fact that the New York Times is discreetly operating a gaming studio at present, it would be advantageous for Apple to provide a selection of fresh, preferably square-shaped games.
Apps
Apple notifies people in 92 countries about targeted espionage attempts conducted by mercenaries
On Wednesday, Apple sent threat notices to iPhone owners in 92 different countries, warning them that mercenary spyware may have been using them as targets for espionage operations.
The corporation issued notifications to individuals in 92 countries at 12pm Pacific Time on Wednesday. The disclosure does not reveal the identity of the attackers or the countries in which users received notifications.
Apple has identified that you are the target of a mercenary malware attack aimed at remotely compromising the iPhone linked to your Apple ID. This information was conveyed in the warning sent to impacted customers.
It is probable that this attack is especially directed at you due to your identity or occupation. Apple expressed a strong belief in the warning, stating that while it is not feasible to attain complete certainty in detecting such assaults, they have a high level of confidence. Accordingly, you should heed this warning carefully.
According to an updated Apple support page, the company sends these types of notifications several times a year and has informed users about such dangers in more than 150 countries since 2021.
In October of last year, it also issued an identical warning to several journalists and lawmakers in India. Following that, the nonprofit advocacy group Amnesty International revealed the discovery of the intrusive spyware Pegasus on the iPhones of well-known journalists in India. According to sources familiar with the situation, people in India are among the recipients of Apple’s most recent warning messages.
The notifications regarding spyware are being received at a moment when numerous countries are making preparations for their upcoming elections. Lately, numerous technology companies have issued warnings over the increasing attempts by governments to influence certain election results. Apple’s notifications, however, did not comment on their timing.
The business informed affected clients that they cannot disclose further details regarding the cause of the notification, as doing so may enable mercenary spyware attackers to modify their tactics and avoid detection in the future.
The prior description of the attackers as “state-sponsored” has been substituted with the term “mercenary spyware attacks.”
The advisory to clients states that mercenary spyware attacks, such as those employing Pegasus from the NSO Group, are extremely uncommon and significantly more advanced than typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware.
Apple stated that it depends exclusively on internal threat intelligence information and investigations to identify such threats. “While our investigations cannot guarantee complete certainty, Apple threat notifications are highly reliable alerts indicating that a user has been specifically targeted by a professional spyware attack and should be treated with the utmost seriousness,” the statement stated.
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