Apple makes sideloading and using third-party app stores possible on the iPhone

According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple wants to allow users to install third-party app stores on iOS and sideloading. If this is true, we will face a big change in Apple’s policies; Because iPhone and iPad users can download and install applications only through the official Apple App Store. Apparently, these changes next year iOS 17 Coming to European users.

To According to BloombergApple’s new plans are in line with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces major companies like Apple to support third-party app stores. From 2024, companies must comply with this law.

Apple provides access to third-party app stores and sideloading

The new EU law not only forces Apple to support third-party app stores, but the company must Sideloading make it possible With this, users can download apps from the web and install them on their iPhone; A feature that has been available to owners of Android products for a long time.

The European Union has an almost complicated schedule for the adoption of the DMA law, however, companies must comply with it by March 6, 2024 (March 16, 1402). As you can guess, these features will be available to users only in the European Union member states at first.

Although Apple wants to allow the use of third-party app stores and sideloading, according to Bloomberg, we will likely face several security requirements, and there is even a possibility that Apple will consider a fee for this feature. Apple also apparently hasn’t yet decided whether to install third-party payment systems in apps, although the DMA says it should.

In addition, Apple has yet to decide how iMessage will communicate with other services, and will likely outsource the Find My network to other companies, such as Tile.

Apple has yet to comment on the report, but given that the Cupertinos are bringing USB-C to iPhones due to EU law, it’s likely they’ll follow DMA as well.