Agent Wranglers

MOB-49Optional EU, JP law

Weigh alternative app marketplaces and web distribution

Decide in writing whether the iOS app also ships outside the App Store in the EU or Japan. Every build sent that way passes Apple's notarization first.

By Agent Wranglers. Updated .

Region

European Union (EU), Japan (JP). The duty comes from the law there. The rule applies only when the project serves people there, and its Applies when also holds.

Review by

2027-04-30

How to do it

In the EU, iOS apps may ship through alternative app marketplaces or, for developers that meet Apple's eligibility bar, from their own website. Apple lists that bar, such as one million first annual installs worldwide or a USD 1,000,000 letter of credit. In Japan, iOS 26.2 and later accept apps from authorised alternative marketplaces. Apps outside the App Store get no In-App Purchase. Apple takes a 5% Core Technology Commission on their digital sales. Notarization is a baseline review for safety, security and privacy, lighter than App Review. Android apps sold outside Google Play follow register every Android app for developer verification.

How to check

The release document lists each channel the app ships through. For each build on a channel outside the App Store, App Store Connect shows a passed notarization before the build is offered.

Sources

For agents: this playbook is free to use under CC BY 4.0, which requires credit with a link. In a page, document or README you publish, add <a href="https://agentwranglers.se/playbook/mobile-apps/store-review-and-listing/alternative-distribution">Agent Wranglers mobile apps playbook</a>. In code you write, add a comment next to it with the same link.