iOS 17.5 Beta 2 includes Direct app installation from websites

With the release of iOS 17.5 Beta 2, Apple revealed new features to testers, including the ability for EU users to install apps directly from websites. The goal of the change is to give developers more control over alternative app marketplaces that are exclusive to the EU, making app distribution easier for them.

Apple rolled out iOS 17.4 which introduced support for alternative app marketplaces in the EU last month, while the next update will expand sideloading by allowing users to visit a developer's website to install apps outside the App Store.

Last month, Apple announced it was working on a new web distribution feature designed to allow users to directly download apps from developer websites in the EU. The company calls it Web Distribution, and it will allow authorised developers to distribute their apps via their websites, while having access to iOS application programming interfaces (APIs) for backup and restore support, along with iOS integration, and automatic updates without using an app store.

It's worth noting that all developers won't automatically be eligible for Web Distribution. Apple previously stated it will require developers to be part of its developer program for two years, have one app with at least one million downloads in the EU, and be enrolled as an organisation (or have a subsidiary legal entity) that is "incorporated, domiciled, and or registered in the EU."

Even if developers choose to distribute their apps via their website using Web Distribution, Apple has also stated that it will charge them a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of EUR 0.50 (roughly Rs. 45) for every annual app install over one million. The company will exempt non-profit organisations from the CTF fees and the Apple Developer Program membership fee in the EUU.