Apple has implemented new regulations for developers using software development kits (SDKs). The App Store, notorious for its rigorous vetting and approval processes, has added another layer of scrutiny. With the EU implementing changes that will force Apple to open up access to their app store to third-party developers, Apple has hit back with their own. To mitigate the security risks, they’ve implemented a new SDK policy to act as an additional guardrail for user data and privacy.
Here’s what the new regulations mean for developers:
Apple is implementing stricter rules for apps in its App Store regarding the SDKs used. This applies specifically to the SDKs used by app developers from other vendors on an Apple-curated list to ensure end-user confidence in these apps. The measure goes into effect May 1st.
The tech giant requires all new and updated apps that use an SDK on an Apple list to comply with new, stricter rules. They must disclose why they use these SDKs and state this in the privacy statement. Also, the SDKs in question must have a valid signature, which must be added as a binary dependency.
Reason for these measures
As a reason for the stricter measures, Apple states that developers are always responsible for their apps’ code. Even if that involves frameworks and libraries from other sources. According to the company, this is essential to maintain the trust of end users.
Apple says it will be strict in enforcing these new requirements for the App Store. If apps do not comply, Apple will not allow them. In addition, the company indicates that it also rejects apps if no reason is provided for using a listed Application Programming Interface (API). The same goes for code that is part of a dynamic framework or if the framework consists of a newly added third-party SDK.
Future requirements
Apple plans to go one step further in the near future by soon applying the requirements currently in place to the entire binary of apps. If an API is not used for the permitted reasons, Apple will ask developers to find an alternative.
With these far-reaching measures, Apple says it wants to improve developers’ and end users’ understanding of how third-party SDKs use data to secure software dependencies and provide enhanced privacy protection.
Apple’s App Review Team vets over 100,000 app submissions every week and is responsible for approving or rejecting a developer’s application to have an app published on the App Store. However, the review process is strict, and Apple announced on its Apple Developer website that some requirements will be stricter. Beginning this fall, developers must describe why they use specific application programming interfaces (APIs).
APIs are the building blocks of an application’s software, but some standard and common APIs can be misused to access a user’s sensitive data. However, the App Store will not require developers to explain every API used in their app. Apps with code that can potentially be misused to “fingerprint” (or identify) devices or users must be justified by the developer—for now, at least.
Why developers prefer Apple
Despite the stringent rules and regulations for developers working with Apple, several popular apps opt for iPhone exclusivity. Here are a few reasons why mobile app developers still prefer to design for iPhones. When faced with a $10,000+ price tag to get an app out the door, minimizing excess costs is a high priority. Having a developer work on a project means that the more time they spend at work, the more hours they’ll have to pay for.
So what’s the solution? Simple—find the quickest route to development.
Apps aren’t cheap, but the iOS development platform’s programming language—Swift—is considered easier to use, resulting in fewer hours spent writing code. Plus, most developers already know it, making it easy to prevent bottlenecks that can come from having to learn new programming skills.
Swift prevents coders from including any potentially hazardous operations in their programs, contributing to Apple’s reputation for app security. Programs written for iOS require far less code than those written for Android, leading to fewer potential errors and—you guessed it—less time spent coding.
If you are considering building custom software for your business, choosing iOS as a platform can reduce the time and cost of development while allowing for rich, stable features that delight users.
There’s also a vast, mature community of Swift developers. Why does this matter? If your developer gets stuck on a problem, a good-sized community will make it far more likely that they’ll quickly find an answer and keep your app moving forward. Compared to that, many Android languages are limited to small groups and require extensive training.
Better Chance at Profit
The Android crowd has some known traits. They like to take matters into their own hands and don’t always want to pay for things. While there are plenty of ways to pirate software using an Apple device, the Android app store is known for this practice.
On the other hand, iPhone users tend to pay for apps, including those that cost more. They shop more online, are more likely to rate and review apps, and tend to hold onto their phones longer.
Plus, seeing as the iPhone tends to be the phone for families, parents are more likely to have them, raise their kids on them, and buy apps for iPads that keep kids occupied. By developing an iPhone rather than an Android app, there’s a better chance that your brand loyalists will stick around for a few years.
There are also more iOS-exclusive apps that don’t work on Android. This allows you to charge more for a specialty product that users can’t buy elsewhere, giving you a better chance to turn a profit and recoup investment costs.
Apple Maintains Better Operating Systems
Whether you prefer Apple to Android, it’s hard to deny that Apple always keeps its software up-to-date and bug-free. Part of this is due to the precision and accuracy of its mandatory system updates. Admittedly, it can be frustrating to deal with an Apple system update, but the result is that more of its users aren’t running old software.
That’s a marked difference from Android, where users tend to hang onto old phones and avoid system updates out of fear of disrupting their device’s operability. Some Android users can’t even download more complex apps by using old devices on outdated software.
Apple is a trendier brand, too. While that may not seem important, it can help you find more success in marketing your app since people are excited to use their new phones for excellent products. During the planning phase, ask your software developer how to make the most of Apple’s hardware releases. You may be able to ride its coattails and find more users that way.
Finally, a more stable operating system reduces the possibility that your app will be a victim of an Apple software issue. This is substantially different from the woes of Android users, whose problems seem to be a perennial concern. Usually, Google’s updates aren’t particularly effective, and they have caused device failures in the worst cases.
If nothing else, going the Apple route will ensure that it’s not your app a user is frustrated with when they chuck their phone at the nearest wall.
Apps Are More Secure
Hacking is a serious concern. Millions of dollars have been lost due to security leaks compromising user information—some companies have even shut down. There’s no such thing as too much security for your users; the best platform for that security is iOS.
Sure, iPhones can be hacked. They aren’t immune from attacks, but because Android devices offer users more freedom to visit dangerous websites and download questionable content, the odds of a serious attack are higher.
Apple requires more testing before apps are added to its app store. This focus on user security makes it much easier for Apple customers to trust that their downloads will be safe.
When programmers use Swift, their code blocks are shorter, and the community is better for its members. Development is easier, programs work better, and iPhones can do almost everything that iPhones can’t.
Conclusion
In recent times, Apple has been required to open up its App Store to third-party developers. To retain the integrity it’s known for, it’s increased its stringent regulations, particularly as they pertain to software development kits.
SDK regulation is key to protecting end-user data by implementing strict controls for data privacy, malware, and security protection. With the added new regulations, they’re able to safeguard user data and privacy, while complying with the EU Commission’s ruling to open the App Store to third-party app developers.
What is evident, is that despite a slew of developer rules and regulations, the App Store is still the platform of choice for many.
