BRUSSELS, March 12 (Reuters) - Software developers who

use Apple's ( AAPL ) App Store will be able to distribute apps to EU

users directly from their websites this spring, the company said

on Tuesday, as part of changes required by new EU rules forcing

Apple ( AAPL ) to open up its closed eco-system.

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which kicked

in last week, requires Apple ( AAPL ) to offer alternative app

stores on iPhones and to allow developers to opt out of using

its in-app payment system, which charges fees of up to 30%.

"We're providing more flexibility for developers who

distribute apps in the European Union, including introducing a

new way to distribute apps directly from a developer's website,"

Apple ( AAPL ) said in a blogpost.

"Apple ( AAPL ) will provide authorised developers access to APIs

(application programming interfaces) that facilitate the

distribution of their apps from the web, integrate with system

functionality, back up and restore users' apps, and more," the

company said.

Other changes include allowing developers who set up

alternative app marketplaces to offer a catalogue solely made up

of the marketplace developer's own apps with immediate effect.

Developers can choose how to design in-app promotions,

discounts and other deals when directing users to complete a

transaction on their website instead of using Apple's ( AAPL ) template.

Apple's ( AAPL ) changes come amid continuing criticism from rivals

that its compliance efforts are falling short. DMA violations

can cost companies fines as much as 10% of their global

turnover.