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