iPhone Users Can Now Sideload Apps on Their Devices; All You Need to Know

Apple iPhone: In a recent announcement, Apple made big changes to the iPhone app ecosystem. This can be considered a landmark announcement made by Apple since the introduction of the App Store back in 2008. The announcement says that now iPhone users in the EU will be able to sideload apps on their device which breaks the control of Apple App Store for app distribution in the devices. The announced changes will be rolled out in the upcoming iOS 17.4 which is scheduled to be released in March 2023. 

Reason for the Announced Changes

The primary reason for the big changes is the European Union Digital Market Act (DMA). Apple has officially announced that it will allow third-party app stores on iOS 17.4. These changes will result in ending Apple’s control over the distribution of apps on iOS. 

Alternative App Stores Will Require Apple's Approval

Apple has also announced that iOS will have alternative app marketplaces for users based in the EU. After getting the iOS 17.4 update, EU users will be able to download a marketplace from its website. All these marketplaces will be required to go through Apple’s approval which will ensure the privacy and security of users.

After getting Apple’s approval these marketplaces will be allowed to distribute any apps including those apps that violate the Apple App Store guidelines. EU-based users will also be able to use these App marketplaces as their default App Stores. 

The developers of these marketplaces will be able to use Apple’s payment services or any other third-party system for payments, all without paying any additional fee to Apple. If a developer uses Apple’s payment system, he or she will be required to pay a 3 per cent processing fee to the tech giant. 

Sideloading on iOS: Safe or Unsafe?

Despite announcing these major changes in the App distribution system, Apple will remain vigilant in assessing these marketplaces. All the third-party apps will be managed by Apple’s systems which will make sure that any of these will not affect the privacy of the iPhone users. 

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