iOS 17.5 Beta 2 was released to beta testers on Tuesday, along with additional features and functionality that are expected to be available on eligible iPhone devices starting next month.
One of the most noticeable changes coming with iOS 17.5 will be the option to install apps directly from websites for users in the European Union, making it easier for developers to distribute apps without what Apple terms alternative app marketplaces in addition to the App Store. As with the recently introduced modifications to third-party app stores, the option to download apps from websites will only be available in the EU.
MacRumors reported that the option to download apps directly from websites has been included to the second iOS 17.5 beta, which was released on Tuesday. Apple released iOS 17.4 last month, introducing support for alternative app marketplaces in the EU, and the next update will expand sideloading by allowing users to install apps from a developer’s website rather than the App Store.
Last month, Apple said that it was working on a new web distribution tool that would allow users to download apps straight from developer websites in the EU. The company calls it Web Distribution, and it will allow authorized developers to distribute their apps through their websites while still having access to iOS application programming interfaces (APIs) for backup and restore support, as well as iOS integration and automatic updates without the need for an app store.
It’s worth noting that not all developers will instantly qualify for Web Distribution. Apple has previously stated that it will require developers to be member of its developer programme for two years, have at least one app with one million downloads in the EU, and be enrolled as an organization (or have a subsidiary legal entity) that is “incorporated, domiciled, and or registered in the EU.”
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Even if developers prefer to distribute their apps through their website utilising Web Distribution, Apple has said that they will be charged a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of EUR 0.50 for each annual app install over one million. Non-profit organisations will be excluded from CTF and Apple Developer Programme membership costs in the EUU.
