iOS 17 to Support App Sideloading to Comply With European Regulations

[iOS Geek]

Says an American...

Your point? Mentioning the fact that I’m an American isn’t the “gotcha” you’re probably looking for. I’m no fan of our forms of overreach, and have plenty of problems with it, especially because we have our own unelected d-bags making some highly consequential decisions for us, sooooo… (Plus not to mention the fact that the WORLD complains about our overreach. So the response is to act just like us? Okedoke then…)

”You do it too!” Stopped being a justifiable excuse in grade school. This whole thing where we try to one up eachother’s ****ups isn’t going to make things better.

 

[Shirasaki]

That is why this is just purely driven by businesses. And people NEED to realize that Epic also sued Google since they claim it's "too difficult" to side-load on Android. If Businesses are driving this (they are), then expect Android to change too. And every big important app will be pulled from BOTH iOS and Android App Stores and only offered in their companies App Store.

But at that point it will be too late. People just don't understand and think long term and see the consequences of this.

People just don’t understand what? Google android exists about as long as iOS, and third party app store has been there forever. Yet multiple analytics show google app store still is The most popular destination to download apps (outside of China of course).

Also, do you think Apple will allow a level play field to be established so everyone can compete fairly? No, of course not. Apple will cripple this sideloading to the same level as self-repair program, leaving much to be desired while claiming “yes, this is the sideloading feature”.

What you folks DO NOT understand is Apple’s eternal goal of chasing after higher profit. They will do absolutely nothing good for customer without money in the line. Basically, they are not charity. Customer base just incidentally benefit from some Apple’s moves from time to time. No profit means no move. Sideloading will hurt Apple’s bottomline, and that’s why they defend it fiercely. I am glad that EU stands firm against Apple’s claims and pass the law anyways.

 

[Marie.D]

It’s time for Apple to get the hell out of Europe. Pull out the iPhone. Let them use Android only. That will teach them a lesson.

It’s the Apple’s platform: hardware and software. Apple doesn’t have to allow a third-party App Store on their platform. If the European courts have ruled against Apple, then Apple should leave.

Sounds like a great idea! In 2022, Apple sales in Europe (page 22) was around 24% of their total net sales. I hope they consider the idea, because it's a very smart move when it comes to losing a quarter of your sales when your purpose as a company is to make as much money as possible.

 

[v0lume4]

If they allow this in the US, I’m stoked to be able to put some emulators on this bad boy. One of the things I miss about Android. Granted, Android had emulators in the App Store. Don’t know why they aren’t in the App Store on iPhones. Probably one of Apple’s silly rules.

 

[krspkbl]

Awesome! Actually excited for iOS 17 now.

About time Apple.

 

[Ethosik]

Certainly? Are you that sure?

So you think side loading will make malware LESS present on iOS? How is that possible? Once side-loading exists I can create an app without having Apple review. And how will introducing side-loading eliminate EXISTING issues?

So yes, it certainly will NOT make things better.

 

[Force11111]

This is the issue I have with mandating side loading. The 15 to 30% that is paid to have apps on the App Store is a bargain. Developer good apps, let someone else worry about infrastructure.

Try selling something to Walmart, they charge 50% plus. Yeah, you can open your own store, but at what cost.

Mandatory side loading is bad news for consumers.

But it’s not mandatory….

 

[Ethosik]

People just don’t understand what?

Uh what I just said? People don't understand Android is getting targeted too. That Android will also change. That this is driven my COMPANIES not CUSTOMERS. So on both platforms, things will change. People just see side loading and yell "YAY EMULATORS!!!" But don't think of the long term issues that can come out of these decisions.

 

[krspkbl]

What if I told you "side loading" was available on MacOS already? And the two most popular operation systems Windows and Android?

Sideloading is NOT dangerous. It can be but your iPhone is not going brick itself, get riddled with viruses, or explode. Apple has you fooled if you think that. They obviously never want this to happen because it means they lose control and money.

How can more freedom and choice be a bad thing? If you're terrified of sideloading then don't do it and let Apple take care of you lol.

 

[dk001]

And so iOS became Android. Now we are going to need to install a virusscanner on or iPhones just like you have on Android. The OS will be less secure and privacy will be less protected.

Good job EU!

I am going to import my next iPhone from the US.

iOS and Android are much more different than the ability to "side load".

 

[krspkbl]

And so iOS became Android. Now we are going to need to install a virusscanner on or iPhones just like you have on Android. The OS will be less secure and privacy will be less protected.

Good job EU!

I am going to import my next iPhone from the US.

You don't need to install virus scanners on Android. I was on Android for years and not once did I ever need to install a scanner. Not once did I ever get a virus or have an issue with security and I sideloaded a lot of apps.

As long as you don't go downloading stuff from sketchy places you will be fine. There are many legitimate and safe websites out there for downloading genuine apps.

You don't need to import your next iPhone from the US lol. You just need to not use sideloading if it scares you so much.

 

[dk001]

well, it certainly has not happened with Google PlayStore. Only apps that would not have been approved anyway are using 3rd party stores only. Any normal app is available at multiple stores. Would be stupid to drop the one with most reach

You apparently have no clue on breadth of 3rd party apps for Android.

Some of the many reasons I use 3rd party on my S23U and 10Pro is for apps that are legacy - I get those from Amazon, apps that Google declined to carry for some reason - great apps, and apps that were never submitted to the Play Store - also great apps. Then there are emulators.

It amazes me the idiocy, IMO, of the excuses that get portrayed on how "BAD!!!" this is.
Maybe folks should educate themselves on the real issues or "try it before you nay-say it".

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Let's just hope the apps that we need to use don't back out of the app store and make us hunt them down one by one in third party stores and their own sites, with no checks for security and user experience.

But I think it will happen for many of the apps that people use.

If that is the case, then it will definitively prove that Apple’s App Store is not the best solution. If it was, no developer or consumer would have any need to leave even when fully able to.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

And so iOS became Android. Now we are going to need to install a virusscanner on or iPhones just like you have on Android. The OS will be less secure and privacy will be less protected.

Good job EU!

I am going to import my next iPhone from the US.

No. This is BARELY an issue. And, it’s an option. You don’t HAVE to do it. And it’s still iOS.

 

[AppliedMicro]

Almost all of your arguments centered around “well it’s already happening, so it’s fine”

No, it‘s not „fine“.
But yes, it’s happening already.

Even sideloading is happening already.
Just for the bad guys (and yes, that includes some large, well-known names).

All that scaremongering about security and privacy is largely FUD.
And it’s disingenuous when Apple spreads that.

 

[dk001]

This keeps getting posted. People please understand Epic has also sued Google since it is "difficult" to side-load on Android. Android will be changing too. This is driven by companies not customers. And once something gets started on iPhone, EVERYONE follows. So Android will change when iOS changes.

Great point and a possible outcome. At this time it is at best a WAG.

BTW - not sure what Epic is talking about or what OEM device. On both my S23U and 10Pro, two different OEMs, it is relatively simple to side load an app, an apk, or install a 3rd party store.

 

[AppliedMicro]

And so iOS became Android

So if Google prohibited sideloading in Android (or in conjunction with the Play Store)…
Does that mean it becomes iOS?

Indeed. But then, why the fuss in forcing Apple to allow side-loading? You aren't forced to use an iPhone or you aren't forced to put your app in the App Store. Just use other platforms.

There aren’t that many mobile operating systems or App Stores.
There is a lack of competition and you know it.

Also, there shouldn‘t be a single entity that can charge at will or ban outright mobile applications for 20, 40 or 50 percent of all smartphone users. It’s anticompetitive and detrimental to competition and innovation.

And that law changes it by at least opening up opportunities to compete with apps outside of Apple‘s App Store and 30% tax ecosystem.

 

[dk001]

And other folks don’t want foreign governments making decisions forcing a change in their lives! I don’t live in an EU country. Their sphere of influence in terms of regulations should STOP at their borders. These are people who I have no say in electing…making decisions about what I should have based on what THEY want (Wow…almost like what Apple does. The kind of thing they’re complaining about). Honestly, if the EU wants to have this kind of power where they get to make decisions that force changes that impact the whole world…we should all get a say in their elections! Here’s the thing…if users actually WANTED this bs…it would come without having to be forced.

Outside of MacRumors…how often do you hear “man, I wish Apple allowed sideloading!”? Yeah…me either.

That depends on the audience. We will have to see how the "vocal public want" changes after it is an established function.

It is a minor group yet it is well established and well used on Android. I expect the same on iOS.

 

[dk001]

Sideloading will make it worse, certainly won't make malware situation BETTER. And now since you can completely bypass Apple's review, expect malware situation to get far worse.

Based on?

 

[dk001]

So you think side loading will make malware LESS present on iOS? How is that possible? Once side-loading exists I can create an app without having Apple review. And how will introducing side-loading eliminate EXISTING issues?

So yes, it certainly will NOT make things better.

How about answering @Shirasaki question - I am seriously interested in your take on this.

 

[Ethosik]

How about answering @Shirasaki question - I am seriously interested in your take on this.

I did. How will making side load that completely bypasses Apple's policies IMPROVE the malware situation?

 

[Ethosik]

Based on?

Uh the fact that anyone could make an App now without Apple approval. How is this so hard to understand?

 

[ader42]

Apple will simply create another certificate/signing process like they do for enterprise apps and Apple’s other app-store (the b2b app store / vpp). For those that don’t know, it is trivial to distribute an iOS app via a simple website if it is an enterprise-signed app.

However, developers will still need an Apple developer programme membership to create an app, they will still need to submit it for review to Apple, and only if Apple are happy with it will Apple provide them with a signed/certified app that they can distribute in their own store. For this, Apple will charge a significant fee for each review.

Oh and installing an app from a non-Apple app-store will most likely prevent iCloud and other apps working and void the device warranty.

In short, it will become possible but in reality generally not used - just like Android.

 

[Ethosik]

Apple will simply create another certificate/signing process like they do for enterprise apps and Apple’s other app-store (the b2b app store / vpp). For those that don’t know, it is trivial to distribute an iOS app via a simple website if it is an enterprise-signed app.

However, developers will still need an Apple developer programme membership to create an app, they will still need to submit it for review to Apple, and only if Apple are happy with it will Apple provide them with a signed/certified app that they can distribute in their own store. For this, Apple will charge a significant fee for each review.

Oh and installing an app from a non-Apple app-store will most likely prevent iCloud and other apps working and void the device warranty.

In short, it will become possible but in reality generally not used - just like Android.

This won't do anything. Emulators will not exist, which apparently EVERYONE on here NEEDS it!!!! If Apple still needs to approve apps, this will not change a thing. So why the heck even enable side loading?

 

[ader42]

Because it will mean they comply with the word of the regulation, but not the spirit.