Apple iPhone, iPad App Sideloading Reportedly in the Works

Teejay Boris, Tech Times 13 December 2022, 08:12 pm

Apple's iPhones and iPad might gain app sideloading support in the next few years.

It appears that the renowned tech giant is now working on an App Store alternative route ahead of European legislation. So even before regulators require Apple to bring sideloading to its devices, it would be ready to roll it out.

(Photo : BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL/AFP via Getty Images)
An attendee holds a new iPhone Pro Max at an Apple event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 7, 2022. - Apple unveiled several new products including a new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. They also released three Apple watches and new AirPods Pros during the event.

Apple iPhone, iPad App Sideloading

As per the latest report by Mac Rumors, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union targets digital "gatekeepers." The act is looking at ending what it deems as unfair practices of tech firms.

The DMA essentially requires these companies to open their services to other developers and firms.

Given that, this might change everything for Apple. The DMA, which took effect last November 1, gave the Cupertino-based tech giant until March 6, 2024, to comply.

In turn, the platforms of the iPhone maker, such as the App Store, iMessage, Siri, and FaceTime, need to keep up with the new European rules by then. And now, it looks like Apple is gearing up to do so.

According to the latest news by XDA Developers, citing Bloomberg, the Cupertino giant is now working on app sideloading support.

It should allow iPhone and iPad users to download and install apps outside the App Store. Currently, Apple prevents users from doing so. On the other hand, Android users could get their hands on apps from third-party marketplaces or even straight from a web browser.

On top of that, XDA Developers notes in its story that sideloading support also gives developers and rivaling platforms the to ditch the 30 percent cut on the App Store.

However, it is worth noting that the renowned phone maker argues that sideloading comes with some risks. Apple says that it could expose iPhone users to scams, malware, and other alarming issues.

App Store Alternative Might Arrive in 2024

The report further claims that the Apple software engineering and services team is now working on the app sideloading support.

(Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
This illustration photo shows the Apple app store logo reflected from an iPhone onto the back of an iMac in Los Angeles, August 26, 2021.

To be more precise, they are reportedly developing a way to open the "key elements of Apple's platforms."

Given that, changes might take some time before it sees the light of day. It looks to be in its early stages for now.

Despite that, Apple appears to be planning to release it before EU legislation requires them to roll it out. The report claims that the feature might be on its way as early as the debut of iOS 17 in 2023.

The sideloading support still comes with a verification process to keep iPhone and iPad users safe. The same system already exists for Mac users, who are not limited by the App Store.