Apple’s strict app store policies have long been a point of contention for users of iPhones and iPads. The company’s tight control over what apps can be downloaded onto their devices has prevented users from installing programs from sources outside of the official app store. However, with the rumored release of the iOS 17 update, that may finally change. Reports suggest that the update could allow for app sideloading on iPhones, a feature that Android users have been utilizing for years. This news has sparked excitement and concern among Apple users and developers alike, as it could drastically alter the app ecosystem on iOS devices.
iOS 17 May Introduce Sideloading Support for iPhone Devices
A recent leak regarding iOS 17 has created excitement among iPhone enthusiasts. Currently, iPhone users can only download and install applications from the App Store, whereas Android users have had the option of sideloading apps from external marketplaces for years. Sideloading has limited the availability of apps for iPhone users, but the iOS 17 update may finally bring sideloading support for iPhone devices.
According to a report by Apple expert Mark Gurman in Bloomberg, the iOS 17 update may offer users the option to download apps from outside the App Store. Although it is a positive development for iPhone users, it may not be so good for Apple, because app developers could bypass the App Store and avoid the 15-30% fee that Apple currently charges.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) came into effect on November 1, 2022, and one of the rules affects the way Apple operates its App Store. The rule requires “gatekeeper” companies, such as Apple, to allow other companies and developers to access their platforms and services. Therefore, Gurman suggests that complying with this regulation may be Apple’s reason for potentially opening up to sideloading.
It remains to be seen whether Apple will create barriers or loopholes for third-party app developers. Additionally, this leak is not an official announcement from Apple, so we should take this information with skepticism. Hopefully, the official unveiling at the WWDC 2023 will confirm whether iOS 17 will support sideloading.
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that the possibility of app sideloading on iPhones with the upcoming iOS 17 update is causing quite a stir in the tech community. While this feature does come with its own set of risks, such as security and privacy concerns, it could also open up new avenues for developers and users alike. Whether or not Apple decides to officially include this feature in their upcoming iOS update, it is certainly a development worth keeping an eye on. Only time will tell how this will impact the iOS ecosystem, but we can’t deny the excitement that comes with a potential change of this magnitude.
