Sideloading isn’t in iOS 17 – but will it come?

One of the expected features in iOS 17 was downloading apps without the App Store, but sideloading is still not possible. When will it come?

Sideloading not in iOS 17 after all

This year, iOS 17 comes to your iPhone with the biggest updates introducing interactive widgets and improvements to Messages, FaceTime, and Phone. A big change that was not announced is downloading apps that are not in the App Store. And that is striking, because according to rumors this would be one of the biggest changes in iOS 17.

With the release of the first test version of iOS 17, it is clear that it is not yet possible to download apps without App Store. This is also called ‘sideloading‘ named. Apple has to adjust the policy of the App Store, because the European Union has passed a new law. According to this law, large companies must open services and platforms to third parties. This has not yet happened in the first beta of iOS 17. So how is Apple going to fix this?

Apple has little choice due to the EU

Chances are that sideloading will still be added to a later (test) version of iOS 17. After all, Apple cannot ignore European legislation. This legislation gave Apple two choices: apps must be able to be downloaded from the internet or more App Stores must be added to the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple is expected to choose the first option.

Also read: ‘Installing apps without the App Store: will soon only be possible in Europe’

The developers will soon be able to offer apps on the internet, which can then be downloaded onto iPhones and iPads. Apple does not earn money from these apps and developers do not have to give Apple money. Normally, developers have to pay to get their apps on the App Store. Of sideloading iOS 17 should create a fairer competitive position for app developers.

WWDC 2023: Apple confirms to follow legislation

Although nothing was said about it during the WWDC keynote sideloading or alternative App Stores in iOS 17, an Apple employee has provided a little more clarity. Craig Federighi, vice president of software development, confirmed in an interview at WWDC that Apple will comply with European law.

Federighi hasn’t elaborated on exactly what this means, but chances are it will sideloading indeed becomes possible in iOS 17. How Apple will fill this in exactly remains to be seen. In any case, it is to be expected that it will not be an easy process to download an app from Safari. Apple then loses income and therefore wants to keep as many users as possible with the App Store.

iOS 17 will be released in September

If sideloading becomes possible in iOS 17, Apple will most likely pay little public attention to this. The company does not support the choice and is forced by European legislation. So there is a good chance that it will indeed be possible to install apps without the App Store, but the question is how accessible this function will be.

Also read: iOS 17: These useful features are unfortunately not coming to every iPhone

Incidentally, it is still a while to wait for the official release of iOS 17, because the update will only appear in September. Are you curious what features Apple in contrast to sideloading has already revealed? View here which new features are coming to your iPhone with iOS 17. Be sure to check out these hidden features, which Apple didn’t say anything about at WWDC.

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