Apple has long been known for its strict policies regarding third party apps on its devices, particularly on the iPhone and iPad. However, in recent years, the company has made a number of changes to allow more flexibility for developers and users.
One of the most significant changes came with the release of iOS 14 in 2020, which introduced the App Library feature. This allows users to organize and access their apps in a new way, separate from the traditional home screen. It also introduced the option for users to set third party apps as their default email or web browser, something that was previously not allowed.
Another change that has been welcomed by developers is the introduction of the App Store Small Business Program. This program, which launched in 2020, reduces the commission that Apple takes from sales of apps and in-app purchases from 30% to 15% for developers who earn up to $1 million per year. This has been seen as a way for Apple to support smaller developers and help them thrive in the highly competitive app market.
In addition to these changes, Apple has also made it easier for developers to test and debug their apps through the use of tools such as TestFlight and the iOS Simulator. These tools allow developers to more easily test their apps on different devices and configurations, which can help improve the quality of their apps and make the development process more efficient.
Overall, it’s clear that Apple is making an effort to be more open and flexible when it comes to third party apps on its devices. These changes should benefit both developers and users, as they will have more choice and control over the apps they use on their devices. It will be interesting to see what other changes Apple makes in the future to continue to support the developer community and enhance the user experience.
