Apple is reportedly planning to release a forthcoming update to iOS 17 that would enable apps to be downloaded outside of the App Store in what is known as “sideloading,” according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
In a series of messages shared on Discord and seen by Supercharged, Gurman said Apple is actively working to include sideloading as part of a future iOS 17 that is set to be released by the Spring of 2024. However, the new feature will only be available to iPhone users with their region set to Europe as Apple will be forced to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), in which “gatekeeping” tech companies will be forced to open their platforms to accommodate external app stores and payment platforms, in addition to setting up third-party apps as default for services such as email and messaging.
Apple will also aim to “downplay” the ability to sideload apps whenever the feature comes available as part of the rumored update to iOS 17, adds Gurman. The company allegedly doesn’t plan to openly advertise sideloading, with the feature likely to be buried deep into the Settings app to dissuade and discourage as many users as possible from making use of it. According to Gurman, Apple is also thoroughly dedicated to geographically restricting sideloading as much as possible, meaning that users outside Europe who would like to download apps outside the App Store will find it nearly impossible to trick iOS 17 into doing so.
Discover new horizons, always connected with eSIM
Travel the world stress and hassle-free with the best eSIM service available. Enjoy unlimited data, 5G speeds, and global coverage for affordable prices with Holafly. And, enjoy an exclusive 5% discount.
All in all, Apple is unlikely to be significantly affected by opening up iOS to external service providers. The company is unlikely to be forced to adopt sideloading in the United States anytime soon following a lengthy legal battle with Epic Games in which multiple courts keep siding with Apple regarding most of its App Store policies. Third-party developers themselves also mostly seem uninterested in providing their iOS apps through external stores, with only 14% of developers stating in a survey that they would completely abandon the App Store in favor of an alternative marketplace.
