The timely introduction of app sideloading in iOS.
This change comes as a response to legislative pressures from the EU, particularly the Digital Markets Act, which demands more openness and competition in app distribution. The legislation requires Apple to offer alternatives to its closed ecosystem dominated by the App Store. Sideloading, the ability to install apps from sources outside the official App Store, is a key aspect of this shift. It allows users to access third-party app marketplaces, providing more choices and flexibility in app acquisition.
Sideloading Apps is currently limited, requiring the use of alternative app stores that adhere to Apple’s stringent requirements. The App Store monopoly has been partially broken, allowing alternative stores alongside the default App Store. The App Review Process persists for apps in alternative stores, ensuring compliance with Apple’s guidelines. While sideloading may increase security risks, it expands user choice within the EU, although global availability remains uncertain pending Apple’s decisions.
Expanding on the Technological Leaps of iOS 17.4 SDK
Marketplace App Installation and Support: Elevating User Experience
Cross-App Data Access: Revolutionizing Collaboration
User Purchase and Subscription Management: Centralizing Transactions
Notarization Requirements Compliance: A Pillar of Security
Advanced Technical Considerations
Building an alternative app marketplace within the dynamic realm of iOS 17.4 SDK demands a comprehensive understanding of advanced technical considerations.
Security and Notarization: Fortifying App Integrity
Data Management and Privacy: Regulatory Compliance
Financial and Operational Technicalities: Aligning Technology with Strategy
Supporting Developers and Users: A Simplified Technical View
Supporting developers and users involves simplifying the technical process. While sideloading on iOS is still uncertain, a similar experience is seen with TestFlight for installing development builds. With iOS 17.4 SDK, prioritizing user and developer convenience is essential.
Developer Tools and APIs: Helping Developers Innovate
User Experience and Support Systems: Making Users Happy
Establish efficient user support systems and feedback mechanisms to improve the marketplace continually. Implement fair dispute resolution processes to build trust among users and developers. Simplify processes and promote efficiency to create a thriving ecosystem for developers and users alike.
Distributing your app on an alternative app marketplace
To publish your app on a different app marketplace, you’ll need to go over and agree to the Alternative EU Terms Addendum to the Developer Program License Agreement.
By mid-February 2024, App Store Connect will provide assistance for marketplaces, including features necessary for testing app installation. It’s essential to utilize MarketplaceKit alongside Xcode 15.3 for the development and testing of your app meant for alternative marketplaces. Applications distributed from such marketplaces must be compatible with iPhones since they do not support apps exclusively designed for iPads. While it’s not mandatory for marketplace-hosted apps to use MarketplaceKit, if your app utilizes MarketplaceKit methods, ensure it’s deployed to iOS 17.4 or later; otherwise, you can develop your app with Xcode 14.1 and deploy it to any iOS version compatible with Xcode 14.1.
Tailor your codebase based on the installation source.
If your application is available both on the Apple App Store and alternative app marketplaces, you have the flexibility to customize your codebase dynamically at runtime. This allows you to implement distinct functionalities based on where the user installed your app. Utilize the static current property of the MarketplaceKit app distributor to identify the source of installation:
| App Distributor | Installation Source |
| AppDistributor.appStore | Denotes the app installed from the official App Store. |
| AppDistributor.testFlight | Represents installations originating from TestFlight. |
| AppDistributor.marketplace | Indicates apps installed from alternative app marketplaces. |
| AppDistributor.other | Refers to apps installed through enterprise or educational developer programs. |
Apps distributed through alternative channels must utilize APIs different from those used for App Store apps. Specifically:
- AdAttributionKit is recommended for handling ads.
- External purchase should be implemented for e-commerce functionalities.
- Utilize Game Center in a marketplace-hosted app only if the app is also distributed on the App Store.
Establish a marketplace relationship and enable notifications
Exploring Technological Changes
The launch of iOS 17.4 SDK opens up exciting new options for alternative app markets, marking a big step in how we share and use apps. When developers use these new features along with Applivery’s tools, they can make cool, safe, and easy-to-use markets. This tech upgrade fits right in with what Applivery aims to do, making sharing and managing apps and devices simpler. It’s a chance for developers to get creative and stand out in the app world.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore and discuss the unfolding technical advancements in this exciting new era of app distribution!
