The first beta of iOS 17.5 is here for developers, and Apple's latest release is the version that allows downloading apps directly from websites possible for users.

This is part of Apple's adherence to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, a law requiring them to open up the iPhone to various app sources outside its App Store, centering on sideloading. 

It has been a long dream for iOS users to get the same sideloading experiences as Android, which has been available for years. 

Apple's iOS 17.5 is Now Available in the Beta for Developers

It was part of Apple's plans to deliver iOS 17.5 with the much-awaited capability to download apps directly from websites via available browsers on the iPhone. 

Other users of the beta program may also access this new technology to try out the experience, but Apple is giving the developers time to work on this website's availability only in the beta. 

Apple requires developers to be part of the Apple Developer Program for two years, have at least one million downloads in the EU, and submit the necessary documents to the company.

Read Also: Apple Claims it Complied with EU's DMA Despite Criticisms from Big Tech

iOS 17.5 Brings the Website Downloads for Apps

This was part of Apple's previous update in March, which announced the direct download and installation availability for apps in the EU. However, as noted by the company, it is only available for eligible developers who have completed all the prerequisites asked. 

For eligible developers, their apps need not be on the App Store or other third-party app stores for distribution, as it would be possible to download them from websites.

Apple's EU DMA Compliance

The most significant change on Apple's iOS and App Store for the EU's DMA is the sideloading, and it is now available for users who have updated to the iOS 17.4 version, the latest available in the world. However, there are still several policies that Apple has over sideloading, and it would only allow this if the specific app raked in a total of one million downloads in 2023. 

Apart from that, Cupertino also said that EU users who venture out of the region would only have 30 days before the sideloaded apps can no longer be updated to their latest versions.

This means that those who want to get the latest update for their sideloaded apps would have to return to any part of the EU to do so, but that does not mean it would stop working. 

Apple still has several specific policies regarding sideloading, one of which the company chooses to maintain and uphold for its iOS requirements.

With iOS 17.5, users can now download apps directly from websites, but the operating system version is still in beta and soon to arrive for public availability to enable access to third-party apps outside app stores.  

Related Article: Apple is Now Allowing EU Users Download Apps from Websites, Bypassing App Marketplaces