Apple clarifies the details behind 'Alternative App Store' features on iOS 17.4, centering on the provisions for downloaded apps outside of the Cupertino giant's App Store for EU users. First off, users with sideloaded apps would stop updating if EU account holders go out of the region after 30 days since their last geolocation in the member countries.
Moreover, only those who are inside the region and under the EU Digital Markets Act's (DMA) jurisdiction may access these marketplaces for sideloading.
Apple: Sideloaded Apps to Stop Updating After 30 Days Outside EU
(Photo : LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)
Apple's update to the support document it released earlier this week, the company clarified that for travelers going out of the EU, whether it be for leisure, business, or other reasons, the sideloaded apps would only update within 30 days since their last stay in the region.
This centers on a 'grace period' for travelers who downloaded applications from designated Alternative App Stores via their iPhones with iOS 17.4. This feature is part of Apple's requirements to be in the EU physically, as it geotags an account and its location for its eligibility to sideload or access third-party app stores.
The good thing is, that users may continue to use these apps even if they travel outside the EU countries.
However, you must be in the European Union to install alternative app marketplaces and new apps from alternative app marketplaces.
Earlier this week, Apple detailed its provisions for the Alternative App Stores under EU's jurisdictions, in compliance with the DMA, with downloads directly from websites and third-party platforms made available via iOS 17.4. The company said that there is a Notarization process for these apps to ensure standards, but designates the Alternative App Stores to review these before making them available.
Apple said that it is not liable when Alternative App Stores, sideloaded apps, problems with purchases and payments, and more issues occur.
Apple, Sideloading, and the DMA
Last year, the European Commission gave Apple a deadline for their work towards complying with the DMA as it was passed as a law, for the Big Tech to offer sideloading, third-party app stores, and more. There were doubts about Apple's compliance as it has long shut down the idea of sideloading for its users.
Fast forward to almost a year later, Apple's monumental compliance to the DMA was introduced to the world, citing that EU users and account holders will get sideloading and third-party app stores, among other gatekeeper-labeled services to open up the experiences.
However, it is known that Apple will charge developers who will offer sideloading of their apps, something which developers like Epic Games and Spotify are not too happy about.
Now that iOS 17.4 is here, the EU sees a massive change in the landscape for Apple's operations, allowing sideloading alongside Alternative App Stores for users to utilize, with many prohibitions on its policies, while complying with the DMA.
