Apple prepares for iPadOS apps on EU alternative app stores

European iPad owners will be able to download iPadOS apps from third-party app storefronts, starting September 16.

In the European Union, iPhone users can purchase and download apps from third-party stores, such as the Epic Games Store. While iPad owners haven't been able to do the same thing yet, Apple is preparing to make it happen.

In a post published to Apple's Developer site on Friday, it discloses changes that will be happening for iPadOS 18 apps distributed in the EU. On Friday, Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to add iPadOS to Notarization.

Notarization refers to a process that apps must go through before they can be made available through alternative app marketplaces. It involves a series of checks that includes making sure they are safe and secure, and they are also encrypted and signed ready for distribution.

From September 16, iPad users in the EU will be able to download iPadOS apps from the App Store, as well as through alternative storefronts.

For developers who entered into the Alternative Terms Addendum for Apps in the EU, the first annual installs of iPadOS apps will begin to accrue. At the same time, the lower App Store commission rate will apply to those apps.

On the same day, alternative browser engines will be usable in iPadOS apps. Also, historical App Install Reports in App Store Connect that can be used with Apple's fee calculator will include iPadOS as well.

Apple adds that developers should keep up to date with some agreements related to third-party app storefronts, since the latest versions include iPadOS support.

Those agreements are:

4 Comments

Sigsgaard 10 comments · 1 Year

About 2 months ago

Well, this European iPad user won't touch the third-party app storefronts, even with a 10 meter asbestos pole - if I wanted third-party app storefronts I would have gotten an Android tablet, and not letting banking apps etc. near it!

chasm 3590 comments · 10 Years

Have fun trying to figure out the legit apps from the scam apps, Yurp!

ihatescreennames 1971 comments · 19 Years

chasm said:

Have fun trying to figure out the legit apps from the scam apps, Yurp!

Have no fear! Back in March Kay Jebelli followed some DMA hearings live and took notes on X. Here’s a quote with extra commentary from Gruber: “
Interesting detail: the EC told Apple that they aren’t allowed to notarize apps to protect users. So “government authorities are the ones that are going to have to step up to protect” app developers and users from the risks of these 3rd-party apps.
In other words…the EC will take care of making sure malware, phishing, scams, clones, IP rip-offs, and pirated apps aren’t getting through.”

foregoneconclusion 2836 comments · 12 Years

ihatescreennames said:

chasm said:

Have fun trying to figure out the legit apps from the scam apps, Yurp!

Have no fear! Back in March Kay Jebelli followed some DMA hearings live and took notes on X. Here’s a quote with extra commentary from Gruber: “
Interesting detail: the EC told Apple that they aren’t allowed to notarize apps to protect users. So “government authorities are the ones that are going to have to step up to protect” app developers and users from the risks of these 3rd-party apps.
In other words…the EC will take care of making sure malware, phishing, scams, clones, IP rip-offs, and pirated apps aren’t getting through.”

FYI: Apple still includes notarization as part of the alternative app store experience in the EU.

"Notarization for iOS apps is a baseline review that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focused on platform policies for security and privacy and to maintain device integrity. Through a combination of automated checks and human review, Notarization helps ensure apps are free of known malware, viruses, or other security threats, function as promised, and don’t expose users to egregious fraud."

https://support.apple.com/en-us/118110