Fortnite maker Epic Video games stated that Apple’s new set up workflow, applied in iOS 18.6, has had a constructive impression on its person progress, with a 60% lower in drop-offs.
Apple began permitting EU customers to put in various marketplaces earlier this yr beneath the Digital Markets Act (DMA). At the moment, the set up course of was lengthier and concerned a number of “scare screens” — warnings in regards to the potential risks of putting in apps from sources aside from the App Retailer.
Builders complained that Apple’s techniques resulted in individuals abandoning the set up course of. Earlier this yr, the EU slapped a $568 million tremendous on Apple for not complying with DMA guidelines.
In July, Apple launched a brand new course of for putting in third-party app marketplaces on iPhones with iOS 18.6. The brand new course of contains just one display screen exhibiting customers that they may miss some options, reminiscent of subscription administration provided by the App Retailer. The display screen additionally informs customers that the choice app retailer’s developer will deal with their knowledge instantly.
Epic Video games stated that previous to the iOS 18.6 replace, 65% of customers trying to put in its recreation retailer deserted the method. Nevertheless, after the replace, that determine dropped to 25%. The corporate famous that this drop fee is nearer to the speed it observes with Home windows and macOS customers putting in its recreation retailer.
Regardless of this enchancment, the corporate stays essential of Apple’s insurance policies, together with charging a core know-how payment, imposing notarization and approval insurance policies, and implementing guidelines that make it tough for builders to distribute their apps by means of various app shops.
Epic Video games repeated an argument from its lawsuit towards the iPhone maker: that Apple permits customers extra freedom to put in apps from outdoors the App Retailer on Mac computer systems. Throughout that lawsuit, Apple’s SVP of software program, Craig Federighi, stated that if the corporate allowed the identical degree of freedom on iOS as on Macs, the platform can be overrun by malware.
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Apple isn’t the one firm Epic Video games is battling. Epic Video games can be criticizing Google for having a prolonged course of for putting in third-party app shops, together with screens that warn customers towards putting in apps from unknown sources. The gaming firm stated that Google misleads customers by suggesting that apps from opponents like Epic Video games is perhaps dangerous.
Final yr, a court docket within the U.S. ordered Google to open up the Play Retailer and permit third-party app shops. In July, the search big misplaced its attraction towards the choice.
