iPhones could finally get app sideloading next year, but only in the EU

[DragonSlayer101]

Forward-looking: Apple is reportedly working on allowing iPhone users in the European Union to sideload apps onto their phones to comply with the provisions of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). However, the feature is likely to be restricted to the EU and inaccessible to virtually everyone else.

The news comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that sideloading will be rolled out to iPhone owners in H1 2024, enabling them to install apps from third-party app stores and websites. The feature has long been available on Android devices, where users can download apps and games from virtually anywhere after enabling a simple setting.

It is worth noting that earlier reports claimed the feature might arrive this month with iOS 17.2, but if Gurman's assertion is accurate, it would mean that iPhone owners will have to wait a little bit longer. When it finally does launch, it is also expected to bring some changes to Apple's payments platform and the Messages app, as required by the DMA.

According to Gurman, EU users will be able to sideload apps through a "highly controlled system," suggesting that Apple will still employ stringent measures to ensure that no app can get on an iPhone without its explicit consent.

Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, have often spoken out against the EU for forcing it to allow sideloading, which they claim could create a security risk. During a speech last year, Cook even claimed that the feature could create a privacy nightmare by allowing companies to more easily exploit user data.

It is worth noting that Apple has already had to make some changes to its iPhone hardware this year due to EU regulations. After using the Lightning connector on iPhones for over a decade, the company switched to USB-C with the iPhone 15 to comply with new EU legislation that requires all mobile gadgets sold in the region to use USB-C ports for wired charging by autumn 2024.

The European Union passed the DMA last year with a view towards rooting out monopolistic trade practices by tech behemoths such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, among others. According to the EU, large technology companies act as "gatekeepers" in digital markets and need government regulations to ensure that they behave in a manner that's fair for their competitors, as well as consumers.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/100835-iphones-could-finally-get-app-sideloading-next-year.html

 

[m4a4]

I mean, are we surprised? Why would Apple do something so pro-consumer (giving them choice) if they don't have to?

I hope it's an easy hack to switch on (or North American politicians grow a pair). I would love to be able to give any of my coworkers an iOS build without the bulls**t that is Apple's testing process...

 

[rmcrys]

I mean, are we surprised? Why would Apple do something so pro-consumer (giving them choice) if they don't have to?

I bought my first iPhone in a decade because the EU made the USB C mandatory; though I’m not a fan of sideloading (security concerns), having a choice is very important. The same thing as many other things on Apple make a lot of people to choose other models (which is good, because others have a chance to compete and do better). Apple seems not to learn and it’s possible that in a future they have the same fate as other big companies (blackberry, Nokia, etc)

 

[Burty117]

I bought my first iPhone in a decade because the EU made the USB C mandatory; though I’m not a fan of sideloading (security concerns)...

I have to ask, what did you use before your recent iPhone purchase? Assuming it's android, that would have had side-loading support. Did you have any security issues in your decade long run with Android?

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

Maybe Apple should offer two iPhone variants one with sideloading and one without as an option. Of course it will not be without caveats. For existing users if you want sideloading then you'll download a different iOS version.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Maybe Apple should offer two iPhone variants one with sideloading and one without as an option. Of course it will not be without caveats. For existing users if you want sideloading then you'll download a different iOS version.

......why? They already have that, it's called "dont turn it on if you dont want it,"

I swear people think you need to sign a blood oath with Lucifer if this option is present in their OS. Just dont use it, duh!

 

[PEnnn]

If people wanted side-loading, they'd buy that easily bricked, easily virus / malware infested, expensive Android junk to begin with.

There is a reason people buy Apple.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

If people wanted side-loading, they'd buy that easily bricked, easily virus / malware infested, expensive Android junk to begin with.

So easy that the vast majority have no issue. Funny that. What's Android global userbase marketshare again?

This kind of garbage is actual FUD. How many people have you known to brick a phone installing an app?

There is a reason people buy Apple.

You can just not use it. It's not hard. What do iSheep not understand about that? Why are they so indoctrinated into "our lord and corporate savior is always right, we must close ourselves in!"?

 

[Vanderlinde]

It's a matter of time before we are getting malware infected websites attempting or forcing installation of 3rd party, bad coded apps.

 

[kiwigraeme]

If people wanted side-loading, they'd buy that easily bricked, easily virus / malware infested, expensive Android junk to begin with.

There is a reason people buy Apple.

Keep believing your iPhone is secure - still get more money for zero-day android exploit
Many famous people have had their icloud hacked in the USA - quite a lot - mostly with a phone call or 2
Try getting your iPhone ID back - if you haven't put protection steps in place before stolen

The boogey man will get you - The number one security feature is yourself

With all the doomsayers - every uninformed windows user should have had their bank accounts drained by now - yet scammers seem to use phones or dodgy websites - to get info
How is safari going to stop you putting info on a fake website ?

My android phone is safer than your iphone - why I use it for next to nothing - wifi turned off , BT turned off - I don't leave it laying around - I practically never even browse on it - how boring when out and about

 

[Nobina]

There is a reason people buy Apple.

For the logo, yup.

 

[VaRmeNsI]

Apple shouldn't be forced to do this, let them keep making bad decisions so they go bankrupt sooner.