Apple releases iOS 17.5 beta 2 giving EU iPhone users more unique capabilities

2 min readUpdated May 30, 2025Apr 17, 20246:45 AM

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Surely there are iPhone users living outside of the EU who wish that their country had something like the Digital Market Act (DMA) that forces Apple to unbutton locked-down iPhone capabilities. For example, with iOS 17.4, iPhone users in the EU could install browsers using browser engines other than Apple’s WebKit. It also allows iPhone users in the EU to sideload apps from third-party App Stores and use alternative payment options in the App Store among other things.

Outside of the 27 member EU countries, none of the actions that Apple is forced to allow in the EU because of the DMA is available. What gives the DMA its bite is the penalty that can be imposed on tech companies that don’t follow the rules. The penalty could be as much as 10% of a company’s global revenue during the most recent year. If Apple, for example, failed to abide by DMA rules, it could face a fine as large as $38.3 billion

Today, Apple released the second developer beta for iOS 17.5 and with this update, iPhone users in the EU can download apps directly from the websites belonging to app developers instead of having to install these apps from the App Store or another app storefront. Developers offering their apps through websites must protect iPhone users by meeting certain criteria. Developers need to be members of the Apple Developer program for at least two consecutive years.

Apple has released iOS 17.5 beta 2 – Apple releases iOS 17.5 beta 2 giving EU iPhone users more unique capabilities
Apple has released iOS 17.5 beta 2

Apps that can be downloaded from a website must have rung up at least one million installs on iOS in the EU during the preceding year. Developers offering their apps through their websites will need to show their policies toward collecting data from users. Additionally, apps offered outside of the App Store need to include a way for iPhone users to get refunds, access customer service, and manage these apps.

“Apple has released iOS 17.5 beta 2 – Apple releases iOS 17.5 beta 2 giving EU iPhone users more unique capabilities Apple has released iOS 17.5 beta 2”

Apps distributed through developer websites avoid having to pay Apple its cut of revenue known as the Apple Tax. However, they must pay Apple a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each install over 1 million over the past 12 months. Some organizations such as nonprofit organizations, accredited educational institutions, and government entities do not have to pay the fee.

There might be a time when other countries institute their own versions of the DMA, but for now, installing apps from developer websites is limited to iPhone users in the EU.

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Questions & Answers

What new capability will iOS 17.5 beta 2 offer EU iPhone users?

With this update, iPhone users in the EU can download apps directly from the websites of app developers, rather than using the App Store or another app storefront.

What criteria must app developers meet to offer apps directly from their websites?

Developers must be members of the Apple Developer program for at least two consecutive years, and their apps must have had at least one million installs on iOS in the EU in the preceding year.

What fees do developers pay Apple when offering apps directly from their websites?

While they avoid the Apple Tax, developers must pay a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each install over 1 million over the past 12 months. Some organisations are exempt.

What is the maximum penalty a tech company could face for not complying with DMA rules?

The penalty could be as much as 10% of a company's global revenue during the most recent year, potentially reaching $38.3 billion for Apple.

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