Apple plans to introduce significant changes to the iOS App Store, allowing users to download apps from third-party sources. The company is reaching a deadline imposed by the EU under the Digital Markets Act, which requires the company to allow the installation of apps from outside the App Store. The company has until March 6 to implement the app sideloading, and iOS 17.4 appears to be the update that will bring the necessary changes.
iOS 17.4 could debut app sideloading on the iPhone along with third-party app stores
Apple recently released iOS 17.3 to the public with several new features and security updates. We expect the company to release the first beta build of its forthcoming iOS 17.4 update. Potentially, the beta updates will be rolled out to developers this week. However, we are unfamiliar with whether the company will offer app sideloading in its forthcoming beta builds. The company could implement the changes in its final iOS 17.4 release for the iPhone.
As mentioned, iOS 17.4 could be the update for Apple to introduce sideloading on the iPhone. It was previously reported that the company is expected to break the App Store into two. One side could house apps recommended by Apple that will be safe to install, while the other could feature apps from third-party sources. It remains to be seen if the company will impose app guidelines for all third-party options. Note that these are mere speculations at this point, and the final word rests with Apple.
Furthermore, not everyone can sideload apps on the iPhone as the change is only expected to arrive in European countries like Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, and more. While Apple is not keen to bring the changes to the App Store, it has to comply with the rules set by the Digital Markets Act in the EU. Apple executives have previously shared their disinterest in the process, suggesting that sideloading apps could “destroy the security of the iPhone.” Additionally, sideloading apps on iPhones will breach the company’s measures in favor of user privacy.
We are unfamiliar with how the company will protect users from malicious apps and third-party app stores. However, the company will not fully offer the iPhone or iPad to third-party apps without placing certain limitations. The company will set restrictions to safeguard the user’s privacy and data. We presume the changes will be available to all users with the company’s iOS 17.4 update for the iPhone. Apple is slated to launch new OLED iPad Pro models in March or April, and the company could see fit to announce the changes at its Spring event.