Apple ignores EU law – might not sideload in 2024 after all
Apple doesn’t seem to care about a new European law, so sideloading not coming to your iPhone in 2024 either. This is why.
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New European law coming in 2024
One of the long-awaited features in iOS 17 is downloading apps without the App Store. It is then possible to put apps on your iPhone via Safari, for example, that will also be done sideloading named. Yet Apple did not say anything about the new function when presenting iOS 17. Even in the first test version of the operating system, nothing indicates the new way of downloading apps.
Read also: Apple is removing 2.3 million apps from the App Store — here’s why
That is striking, because Apple has to adjust the policy of the App Store according to a new European law. According to these regulations, large companies must open their services and platforms to third parties in 2024. Despite this law, nothing indicates that Apple is working on allowing sideloading. New rumors now even indicate that Apple has already figured out a way out.
Apple highlights dangers of sideloading
With the new European law, also known as the Digital Markets Act, small developers in particular must be given a fairer chance when releasing apps. App developers don’t have to sideloading namely no longer give up a percentage of their income to Apple. Normally, developers have to pay to get their apps on the App Store. With the new law, all revenues therefore go to the developers themselves.
This would mean that Apple is missing out on quite a bit of money, something the company is naturally trying to avoid. And that seems to work, because the law also states that a company must protect the digital security of the user. If sideloading is allowed, the chance of downloading untrustworthy apps is much higher. In the App Store, Apple can check all apps.
No alternative App Stores for now
It is therefore expected that Apple will ignore the new law for the time being, arguing that the safety of iPhone users can only be guaranteed with apps from the App Store. If the company is nevertheless reprimanded by the European Union, a court case of years will probably follow. That means Apple sideloading most likely not to your iPhone in 2024.
Read also: Facebook wants to become an alternative App Store (you need to know this)
Are you curious about the consequences if Apple sideloading will allow in 2024? We have previously listed the pros and cons of the new legislation for you. In addition, we now know which functions Apple will bring to iOS 17 in any case. Read all about the new iOS update for your iPhone here.
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