Matt Fischer, the long-time head of Apple’s App Store, is leaving the company after 21 years. The departure coincides with a restructuring of the App Store division into two teams: one managing Apple’s store and the other overseeing alternative app distribution. This move comes amid regulatory pressure for Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment methods on its devices.
Epic Games Store is now available on Android and iOS in the EU, allowing players to access popular titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. While this marks a return to mobile for Fortnite, the process is not as straightforward as downloading from traditional app stores. Epic Games is still battling Apple and Google over their control of app marketplaces.
iDOS 3, an emulator that lets you play classic MS-DOS games on your iPhone or iPad, has finally been approved by Apple after a long battle with App Store guidelines. The app’s developer, Chaoji Li, credits new EU regulations for forcing Apple to reconsider its stance on emulators, paving the way for nostalgic gaming experiences.
Google Play is getting a major update, transforming it beyond just an app store. New features include AI-powered browsing, curated content spaces, personalized interest filters, multi-game support for PC, and enhanced Play Points rewards. The update aims to improve user experience and make Google Play a more engaging platform.
In response to feedback from developers, Apple has announced changes to its “core technology fee” (CTF) under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The CTF will be waived for developers of free apps and small developers with revenue below €10 million will get a three-year grace period. The changes also apply to iPadOS, which will soon be subject to the DMA’s regulations.
TikTok is reportedly presenting some users with a link to a website for purchasing coins used for tipping digital creators, potentially bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system and the associated 30% commission. The feature appears to be hidden from most users or limited to specific groups. Users with access see a screen encouraging them to “recharge” via tiktok.com, with messages suggesting savings on service fees. By making purchases through the website, users can avoid the in-app service fee and access additional payment methods. However, it’s unclear how many TikTok users are seeing this option or under what conditions it’s being shown. TikTok and Apple have not yet commented on the findings.
Spotify and Apple have been engaged in a contentious battle over Apple’s control of its App Store, particularly regarding restrictions imposed on music streaming services. Spotify has accused Apple of violating the European Commission’s ruling, which found that Apple had unfairly restricted competition. The company has filed a complaint with the European Commission over Apple’s rejection of its updated iOS app, which includes information required by the ruling. The outcome of this battle could have implications for the app store model and the ability of companies to innovate within it.
Spotify has faced rejection from Apple for an EU app update due to its refusal to agree to the terms of Apple’s Music Streaming Services Entitlement. By omitting a website link in its app, Spotify avoids the 27% commission that Apple charges for purchases referred by its platform. Despite this concession, Spotify maintains that Apple’s actions violate European law, calling on the European Commission to intervene.
Spotify has submitted a new update to its App Store app in the European Union that includes pricing information for users, as required by the European Commission’s ruling against Apple’s App Store policies. The update also includes instructions on how to subscribe to Spotify outside the App Store, but does not include a direct link to Spotify’s website. Spotify has also announced that it will not opt into the new business terms offered to developers in the EU in response to the Digital Markets Act, which would allow Spotify to use alternative payment methods and pay lower commissions to Apple.
Indus Appstore, owned by PhonePe, has integrated voice search functionality in ten Indian languages to increase its user base and acceptance. The app store aims to reach 75% of Indian internet users who prefer local languages. The voice search feature uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to ensure accuracy and understand various accents and speech patterns. This feature is expected to benefit app developers by boosting app installs. The move towards voice search is seen as a significant step in creating an inclusive and accessible app store, especially since 82% of smartphone users engage in voice-activated technology.
