As the fight for digital rights and fair competition continues, the European Union has recently announced new regulations that demand a level playing field between tech giants like Apple and smaller developers. One of the main points of contention is app sideloading – the ability to download apps outside of the official App Store. While Apple has vehemently opposed such practices in the past, the looming EU regulations may force the company to finally comply. This could potentially open a world of opportunities for smaller developers and bring about significant changes to the iOS ecosystem. In this article, we will dive into the details of app sideloading and how its implementation in iOS 17 can support fair competition and digital freedoms.
According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 17 from Apple will allow iPhone users to download apps from sources other than the App Store for the first time, a process commonly referred to as sideloading. This move would permit developers to avoid Apple’s 15 to 30 percent fee. The Digital Markets Act from the European Union that became effective on November 1, 2022, mandates that “gatekeeper” firms open up their platforms and services to other companies and developers. Apple is expected to introduce sideloading support by next year to comply with the new European rules. Apple would risk fines of up to 20 percent of its global earnings if it violates the EU law. Gurman said Apple was contemplating implementing security requirements such as verification, which it could charge a fee for in lieu of collecting money from app sales, in a Bloomberg report from December 2022. Alternate app stores could expand beyond the European Union if other countries introduce similar legislation. The United States, for example, is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow sideloading.
In conclusion, iOS 17’s support for app sideloading is a significant step forward in Apple’s commitment to comply with European regulations. With the freedom to install applications from third-party sources, users will have a wider range of options to choose from while developers will have greater flexibility in distributing their apps. This move also promotes fair competition and empowers the user’s choice without compromising the security and privacy that Apple is known for. As Apple continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape, offering support for app sideloading shows that they are dedicated to meeting the needs and demands of their users while remaining compliant with global regulations.
