Apple has announced that it will allow iPhone sideloading in the EU in the first half of 2024. This means that iPhone users in the EU will be able to install apps from outside the Apple App Store. This is a significant change for Apple, which has historically been very protective of its App Store ecosystem.
Why is Apple Changing its Policy?
Apple is making this change because of new environmental regulations passed by the EU. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires certain companies, such as Apple and Google, to open up their services to other companies’ services. This means that Apple can no longer require iPhone users to only install apps from the App Store.
What is iPhone Sideloading?
iPhone sideloading is the installation of apps from sources other than the Apple App Store. This can be done by downloading an app from the internet and then installing it on the iPhone. Sideloading is a common practice on Android devices, but it has not been possible on iPhones until now.
What are the Benefits of iPhone Sideloading?
There are several potential benefits to iPhone sideloading. First, it will give iPhone users more choice in where they get their apps. Second, it will allow developers to bypass Apple’s 30% fee for apps sold on the App Store. Third, it could lead to the development of new and innovative apps that would not be possible under Apple’s current App Store policies.
What are the Risks of iPhone Sideloading?
There are also some potential risks to iPhone sideloading. First, it could make iPhones less secure. Apps found on the internet may not be as safe as apps from the App Store. Second, it could lead to the proliferation of malware on iPhones. Third, it could make it harder for Apple to control the quality of apps on its platform.
It remains to be seen how Apple will implement this change and what the long-term effects will be.
In addition to the points above, here are some other things to consider:
- Apple is likely to try to geo-lock iPhone sideloading to EU areas. This means that iPhone users in other parts of the world may not be able to sideload apps.
- Apple may implement additional security measures to protect iPhone users from malware and other threats.
- The DMA is still a new law, and it is possible that it could be changed in the future. This could affect Apple’s sideloading policy.
It’s unclear how significant these changes will be in the long term. However, with Epic Games, Spotify, and other companies suing Apple and Google over their exorbitant fees for being on their respective app stores, it’s likely we’ll see a mass number of companies from the App Store change to a sideloading model.
