Introduzione
Dear Apple,
It is time to take stock of the situation. With the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union, it is now imperative to comply with the new rules and adapt to the changes in the digital landscape. In response to these regulations, Apple has created over 600 new APIs, specifically designed for the 27 EU member states. These new features, which will be illustrated shortly, will be available exclusively to European users.
Index:
- Opening Up the App Market
- Security Enhancements
- Transcripts for Apple Podcasts
- Unlocking NFC Access
- Device Protection
- Multilingual Message Reading by Siri
- Ability to Set Third-Party Browsers as Default
- Support for Cloud Gaming via Native Apps on iOS
- Conclusion
Opening Up the App Market
One of the main novelties is the opening up of the app market, with the introduction of new App Store Marketplaces. These will allow developers to distribute their apps in direct competition with Apple's App Store. Users will then be able to install, uninstall and update apps through these new Marketplaces, as well as manage payments using alternative methods.
Security Enhancements
However, Apple will retain the task of verifying the security of apps distributed through these Marketplaces, through a notarization system that checks for malware. In addition, new commission policies are planned, with a reduction for developers who choose to use Apple's App Store and the introduction of a fixed commission for large Marketplaces.
Transcripts for Apple Podcasts
In addition, Apple has introduced transcripts for Apple Podcasts, another innovation aimed at improving the user experience. This new feature offers superior accessibility and more intuitive navigation, allowing users to read the full text of each episode and search for specific words or phrases within the podcast. Transcripts also allow users to tap on the text to play the podcast from that exact point, with each word highlighted during playback for ease of following. With these transcripts, users will be able to catch every word of their favorite hosts, learn new languages and easily find the information they want.
Unlocking NFC Access
Another important innovation is the unlocking of NFC access for third-party applications, allowing payments via NFC chip even with methods other than Apple Pay. This opens the way for increased competition in the digital payments sector on iOS devices.
Device Protection
Apple has introduced significant improvements to the "Stolen Device Protection" feature in iOS 17.4, aimed at ensuring greater security for users in case of loss or theft of their iPhone.
One of the main features is the security delay, which prevents the thief from performing critical operations such as disabling Find My iPhone, erasing data or activating lockdown mode. This delay is designed to give the owner time to react to the theft and locate the device.
Advanced features introduced include push notifications, which alert the user when the device is activated, when the SIM is changed or when the device is located in a new location. In addition, the ability to remotely lock the device and display a personalized message for the thief has been implemented, as well as the ability to activate an alert sound when the device is activated or when an incorrect password is entered.
Multilingual Message Reading by Siri
iOS 17.4 introduces a new feature that allows Siri to read messages in different languages, offering users a more personalized and versatile experience in managing communications.
This feature allows Siri to read messages in the languages set on the device, providing accurate pronunciation and adapting to the language of the message. Users can add or remove languages from the list of those supported by Siri through the device settings, allowing for extensive customization of language preferences.
Ability to Set Third-Party Browsers as Default
Additionally, the ability to set third-party browsers as default on iPhone and iPad has been introduced, allowing users to utilize technologies other than WebKit for web browsing.
Regarding security, Apple has reiterated its concern about the potential spread of malware through the new APIs. In this context, it is essential to adopt online privacy protection tools such as VPNs, which can help protect users from potential online threats.
Support for Cloud Gaming via Native Apps on iOS
With this update, Apple is allowing developers to create and distribute native apps on iOS for cloud gaming. This means that users will be able to access a wide range of games through cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as xCloud), Nvidia GeForce Now, and others directly through their apps on the App Store.
Prior to this change, users had to access these cloud gaming platforms through web browsers or third-party apps, often encountering limitations or difficulties in the gaming experience. Now, with the introduction of dedicated native apps for cloud gaming, users will have more direct and seamless access to games, with a gaming experience optimized for iOS devices.
This change could lead to greater adoption of cloud gaming by iOS users, offering them the opportunity to access a wide range of high-quality games on devices like the iPhone and iPad without the need for expensive gaming hardware or local storage space. Additionally, it could encourage the development of new cloud gaming platforms and increase competition in the sector, with potential benefits for users in terms of choice and quality of services offered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of new APIs by Apple in response to the EU's DMA represents a significant step towards a more open and competitive digital ecosystem. The opening of the app market through the new App Store Marketplaces provides developers with greater distribution opportunities and users with more freedom of choice. The new commission policies and the opening of NFC access for third-party applications aim to promote fairer competition in the digital payments sector on iOS devices.
Furthermore, the introduction of transcriptions for Apple Podcasts and support for cloud gaming through native apps on iOS further enhance the user experience, making podcasts more accessible and offering gaming enthusiasts a greater variety and quality of titles available directly on the App Store.
Finally, while Apple is committed to ensuring the security of the new APIs, it is essential for users to adopt online privacy protection measures such as VPNs to protect themselves from potential threats. Overall, these innovations represent significant progress towards a more inclusive, diversified, and secure digital environment for users worldwide.
