On March 13th, a Beijing Business Daily reporter learned that Apple has released a policy update that will allow EU users to download iPhone applications from developer websites for the first time, in compliance with the EU's Digital Market Act. Apple stated that Web Distribution will be launched later this spring through software updates. Developers can also provide their applications in third-party "alternative application markets" without having to go through the App Store, and can directly offer promotional activities to users in any way. These two changes will take immediate effect on Apple users in the European Union.