Apple Might Be Adding Gates to its Walled Garden: Sideloading Apps on iPhones

Apple’s iOS 17 is reportedly set to make waves in the tech industry as rumors suggest that it will allow users to sideload apps on their iPhones. This means that third-party apps can be downloaded and installed onto iOS devices without going through the App Store, which has long been a contentious issue for many users. This move by Apple would mark a significant change for the company, which has traditionally maintained a tight grip on its ecosystem. Here, we take a closer look at what sideloading apps could mean for iOS users and the broader tech landscape.


The article discusses a potential change in policy for Apple’s iPhone app distribution system. Currently, users can only download apps from the App Store, but recent reports suggest that Apple may allow for sideloading, or downloading apps from alternative sources. It is unclear if this change will come with iOS 17 or in the future, but it may be announced at the upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference. Apple executives have previously opposed sideloading for privacy and security reasons. The article also mentions potential updates to operating systems and the unveiling of Apple’s first XR headset.


In conclusion, the rumored introduction of sideloading apps on iPhone with iOS 17 could mark a significant shift in restrictions for Apple’s App Store. However, it remains to be seen how Apple will execute this potential change and what impact it could have on the app ecosystem. As always, users and developers will need to weigh the benefits and risks of sideloading versus downloading from the App Store. Will iOS 17 truly mark a new era of app discovery and distribution for iPhone users? Only time will tell.