Next year, iPhone users in the EU will be able to download apps hosted outside of Apple’s official App Store to comply with European regulations, according to Apple. bloombergMark Garman.
The change, also known as sideloading, is scheduled for the first half of 2024 and will allow customers to download apps without using the App Store, and developers will no longer have to pay Apple’s 15-30% fees. Masu.
Written in his latest subscriber edition power on newsletter, Garman said Apple will introduce a “highly managed system” that will allow EU users to install apps hosted elsewhere. Apple will also reportedly make changes to its Messages and Payments apps as part of the changes, likely through a localized iOS 17 update.
Garman’s update contradicts recent updates report This suggests that sideloading may be introduced in Apple’s iOS 17.2 software update, which is expected to be released next month. The report incorrectly attributed some new code related to an upcoming framework for organizations to distribute apps to employees to be related to sideloading.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into force on November 1, 2022, requires “gatekeeper” companies to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers.
DMA will have a major impact on Apple’s platforms, potentially causing Apple to make major changes to the App Store, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and more.
Apple claims that sideloading “undermines the privacy and security protections” that iPhone users rely on, leaving users vulnerable to issues such as malware, fraud, and data tracking. Regardless of its position, Apple must comply with the DMA and if he does not comply, he risks being fined as much as 20% of global revenue if he violates EU law.
in December 2022 Report, Garman said Apple is considering introducing security requirements such as verification, a process that allows it to charge a fee instead of collecting money from app sales. Apple has introduced an authentication system on his Mac to allow users to safely access apps outside of his Mac App Store.
Alternative app stores could expand beyond the European Union if similar laws are introduced in other countries. For example, the US is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow sideloading.