Apple claims iPhone sideloading involves malware
Apple does not want US law to force it to allow sideloading on the iPhone. This means would install applications outside the App Store. It is already possible on Mac, it is possible to download applications from the Internet and not from the Mac App Store. Ditto on Android to avoid the Play Store.
Apple insists: it does not want sideloading on iPhone
Timothy Powderly, Senior Director of Government Affairs at Apple, wrote a letter to the attention of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee. It is preparing to review the American Innovation and Choice Online Act and the Open Markets Act, which were first introduced in June 2021. The American Innovation and Choice Online Act will be reviewed first and, if it is implemented, it will prevent dominant platforms from abusing their custodial power by favoring their own products and services over those of competitors. This would imply that Apple must allow sideloading on iPhone.
“These bills will reward those who have been irresponsible with user data and empower bad actors who will target consumers with malware, ransomware and scams”, believes Timothy Powderly in his letter. He also talks about a “real risk of breach of privacy and security”. It more or less repeats what Tim Cook (Apple boss) and Craig Federighi (responsible for iOS and macOS) have already said.
Complicated privacy for the future
Apple also says it would no longer be able to provide new privacy and security protections under language that says these features must be necessary and appropriate. The manufacturer adds that iOS devices have 98% less malware than Android devices, proof of the effectiveness of the App Store. The group relies on a study for this data.
Upon arrival, Apple is asking the US Senate Judiciary Committee not to approve the two laws under consideration in their current form. Tim Cook’s company says it is ready to work with the Commission to find solutions to address competition concerns while protecting consumer privacy and security.
