What kind of app do you think they’re gonna download?
I seriously doubt that. Even if they download Netflix from Netflix’s website, it’s not gonna break their phone.
And that’s if they even enable side-loading at all.
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iOS 17 to Support App Sideloading to Comply With European Regulations
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I seriously doubt that. Even if they download Netflix from Netflix’s website, it’s not gonna break their phone.
And that’s if they even enable side-loading at all.
I am NOT claiming sideloading will make malware LESS present on iOS. I already said there have been active malware existing on iOS already, just that they are designed to target key persons rather than general public. Those malware all exists BEFORE sideloading. So what‘s your point? If anything, I‘d argue sideloading MIGHT improve malware situation because third-party apps with amazing ideas now can have a chance to exist thanks to the ability to bypass Apple’s arbitrary App Store rules or hurt Apple’s bottom line.
Let’s just ignore the situation where your reply is not address your certainty on sideloading worsening the malware situation without any argument.
Second, Apple’s review process has been found notoriously protective for revenue-generating apps rather than legitimate one. Not widespread, but happens often enough to catch media attention here and there. I don’t think you understand this but Apple DO NOT care about customers the slightest. Anything is profit-driven. No profit, no action. Simple as that.
Doesn’t seem to be the case Sadly.
Android will change to what? Google making rooting easier again? I can tell ya, this sideloading change impacts iOS far more than Android simply because it’s Apple we are Talking about. And, what long term issues are you talking about? Scam apps becoming more popular? Apple caring more on threatening devs than improving App Store? Charging more fees for dev kits? And who says those third-party app stores would not implement their own screening process? Are THEY want to be the wild west of the App Store world? Are you sure about that?
You are trying to ask me the same question Without addressing these:
1. Why somehow so many folks are absolutely certain App Store’s days are numbered?
2. Bypassing Apple’s review? How do you know this is certainly the case?
3. How about existing scam apps and copycats on, oh surprise, APP STORE?
No, you answered a question with a question avoiding an actual answer.
Do you understand how the current 3rd party environment works in the Android world?
Apparently you either do not or are deliberately spinning it.
Well that comes across as a bit bonkers.
Leaving aside the obvious comment about the US regulating the rest of the world on all sorts of things it's crystal clear that EU regulations only apply in the European Economic Area.
There are only three regulatory regimes worldwide with enough clout to potentially get their regulations adopted worldwide (USA,EU and China) but to date it's mostly been American companies adopting American rules and applying them everywhere for convenience unless told otherwise. GDPR is the most obvious example where it's kind of worked in the opposite direction.
But there's nothing to stop Apple restricting sideloading to EU firmwares that are only installable on EU sold phones.
Also nothing forcing anyone to enable sideloading in the settings because it sure as hell won't be on by default (just like Android).
Can't say I am a fan of that idea, I have never ever felt like I was missing out, as apple said I actually felt more confident my data and the device was safe! that's I why I left windows and android!!
We do have some examples from Android.
For example, many app developers have expressed that for all the frustration of developing for iOS, they continue to do so because it's often far less profitable on Android. The creator of Monument Valley claimed that only 5% of downloads were paid (with the caveat that it doesn't track for legitimate installs on multiple devices, but added that iOS had 40%). Grimvalor is a paid app on iOS but a free app on android that lets users play the first stage for free, then pay to unlock the rest of the game (which I assume was done to counteract the incidence of piracy).
I can surmise that piracy is one of the key factors of poor app profitability on android because users can simply side load a cracked / free copy of said app rather than pay for it. This is less of a risk on iOS because of its locked down nature. More people paying for an app on iOS means more money for the developer (even after 30%), resulting in better continued support.
As such, I would like to hear your thoughts on whether we will see a dramatic increase in app piracy with the introduction of sideloading on iOS, why or why not, and what this might mean for the developer community. The first thing that comes to mind is that it might push more apps to adopt a subscription-based model, if it shows that users are able to access their apps without needing to pay for it upfront.
There is also the question of what sort of apps might one want that isn't already available in the iOS App Store. I am aware of a few mature game titles that I believe require the user to install them via TestFlight? I suppose Microsoft might finally be able to offer their game streaming app, assuming users are willing to take the effort install them.
And believe me, Apple will definitely find a way to bill developers for 27%.
As far as side loading being "too difficult" is concerned I think what Epic are getting at is that you can't search "Epic Store" in Google Play and install from there with a single click. Which is as complex as most average users will accept.
Seems unlikely. I would contend that Android users just expect everything to be free whereas Apple users are more conditioned to pay for stuff.
It's crazy that it took the EU to force Apple into taking what no doubt will be a very positive step for the platform.
Not only that but Apple's own MacOS has allowed sideloading since it was introduced and you do not see people complaining about malware, sideloading is one of the many reasons why iPads will never replace a Mac.
I hope this doesn't make iOS far less secure. Even if one chooses not to sideload, perhaps there could be malicious ways to sideload remotely/discretely. I'd love to see some sort off toggle that requires password like FindMy to lock/prevent sideloading. The harder they make sideloading, the better in my opinion.
I would argue that the lack of complaints is not a good measure. Data siphoning can be silent and virtually undetectable. Depending on the implementation and objective, you may never know your data is leaking.
See studies such as: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/misy/2015/369489/
Developers (there are millions enrolled in Apple's Developer program) can already side-load any app they can write, find source code for, as well as include any 3rd party iOS library in an app. So far, that hasn't created any worse a problem on iPhones than Macs, since almost all developer's have Macs, and thus know not to install random suspicious junk on their iPhone that they would never install on their Mac. Most Joe/Jane users aren't so savvy.
So Apple already allows side-loading apps. I consider the $99/annum I pay to Apple for a Developer enrollement, in part, my side-loading fee. Plenty of interesting iOS source code (in Swift, etc.) on GitHub to play with.
If you have a Mac, you can also side load stuff using Xcode without a Developer enrollment, but then have to re-load everything every week, IIRC.
So Apple already allows side-loading apps. I consider the $99/annum I pay to Apple for a Developer enrollement, in part, my side-loading fee. Plenty of interesting iOS source code (in Swift, etc.) on GitHub to play with.
If you have a Mac, you can also side load stuff using Xcode without a Developer enrollment, but then have to re-load everything every week, IIRC.
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That has not happened on Android and it has supported sideloading since day one, I highly doubt it will happen on iOS, especially if Apple makes enabling sideloading a pain in the rear which they most likely will do.
macOS has allowed sideloading since its start. Developer ID signing has been effective in ensuring the responsible behaviors of developers.
Apple in iOS 17 will for the first time allow iPhone users to download apps hosted outside of its official App Store, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Otherwise known as sideloading, the change would allow customers to download apps without needing to use the App Store, which would mean developers wouldn't need to pay Apple's 15 to 30 percent fees.
The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which went into effect on November 1, 2022, requires "gatekeeper" companies to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers.
The DMA will have a big impact on Apple's platforms, and it could result in Apple making major changes to the App Store, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and more. Apple is planning to implement sideloading support to comply with the new European regulations by next year, according to Gurman.
Apple has claimed that sideloading will "undermine the privacy and security protections" that iPhone users rely on, leaving people vulnerable to malware, scams, data tracking, and other issues. However, Apple must comply with the DMA or it risks fines of as much as 20 percent of its global revenue if the EU laws are violated.
In a December 2022 report Gurman said Apple was considering implementing security requirements such as verification, a process that it could charge a fee for in lieu of collecting money from app sales. Apple has a verification system on Mac that allows users to be safe while giving them access to apps outside of the Mac App Store.
If other countries introduce similar legislation, alternate app stores could expand beyond the European Union. The United States, for example, is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow sideloading.
Article Link: iOS 17 to Support App Sideloading to Comply With European Regulations
Spot on. The IOS App Store will look like the Mac App Store. Meta, Amazon, Netflix first to go. Maybe a positive side. Could encourage Apple to build more essential Apos. Start with a Calculator for the iPad. I have a bunch of seldom used Apps. A good place to start.
Id argue no. There will probably be an uptick to app privacy on iOS but not to the scale that matters or attracts short to medium term public attention. As someone else already points out, iOS devices are expensive, thus iOS users are still more likely to pay for apps than android counterparts, where a big chunk are living in low income or poverty.
As for subscription model, it doesn’t matter the platform the app is on. Heck, Apple can force users to pay for a subscription fee to use iOS if they choose to, and customers would have no choice but to pay.
There are many apps that could exist on App Store but the feature hurts Apple bottom line, thus Apple banning them from existence Currently. R18 apps and game streaming apps are just two of many examples. Something else That could exist is realistic security software on iOS that offer true protection from online attacks (little snitch). I think there will be more examples I am not aware of.
This should go without saying. In fact, Apple can introduce iOS subscription model starting from iOS 17 to surprise everyone and ensure this infinite revenue stream.
Why? It is far more likely the environment it will most resemble is Android.
Not seeing what Netflix and Amazon would leave. I do those via the browser to buy, app to watch or check. They still exist on the Play Store.
I won’t sideload anything either, but I’m still a huge supporter of forcing Apple and other companies to open up their closed platforms. Choice is always a good thing and can be an engine for innovation.
They’re going to be on the website that looks like Netflix and that promises they can watch for free… you know, the internet
On a practical note, I do think the macOS password prompt and security settings prompt do a good job of deterring unknown installations now. My guess is that iOS will prompt for iCloud password and a manual developer approval in settings. FaceID, TouchID, numeric passwords would be too slick and easy.
This thread is fun. I feel like the ultimate result would be similar to android developer options.
Include a multiple step verification process to proceed.
It would also be a very welcome change no matter the process, allow the user to install whatever he/she/they want according to software terms and agreements.
Include a multiple step verification process to proceed.
It would also be a very welcome change no matter the process, allow the user to install whatever he/she/they want according to software terms and agreements.