Apple, the EU, and the threat of sideloaded applications

A huge shift has just happened in the mobile security landscape: Apple’s release of iOS 17.04 in March 2024 has allowed users to sideload apps and use third party app stores. This has largely been done in an effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA was introduced by the European Commission in order to help mitigate the domination of silicon valley giants – which the DMA calls “gatekeepers” – over digital markets.

Specifically, the DMA states...

13 August 2024 | App Stores

Apple enables web distribution for iOS developers targeting EU users

Apple has announced that iOS app developers targeting EU users are now able to directly offer downloads from their own websites. This shift comes as a response to the EU's new Digital Markets Act (DMA), requiring major tech platforms to open up their ecosystems and ensure a more competitive market.

Historically, Apple has maintained a notorious "walled garden" for its iOS ecosystem, with the App Store being the sole gateway for downloading apps on iPhone devices. However, the new...

17 April 2024 | Developer

Developers can seek guidance from Apple on EU App Store changes

Apple has announced that it will allow developers to request consultations to discuss upcoming changes to the iOS App Store in compliance with the European Union's new Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The DMA, for a quick primer, is a sweeping set of antitrust regulations aimed at reining in the market power of Big Tech giants like Apple. 

The consultations offered by Apple – which can be either online video meetings or in-person sessions at an Apple lab in Cork,...

2 February 2024 | App Stores

Apple may enable sideloading in Europe ‘in the coming weeks’

Apple is reportedly planning to allow iPhone and iPad users in Europe to install apps from third-party app stores—potentially within a matter of weeks. 

The move from Apple comes in response to mounting regulatory pressure from European lawmakers demanding more competition in the app ecosystem.  

According to Apple insider Mark Gurman in Bloomberg’s “Power On” newsletter, Apple engineers are racing to launch support for app sideloading on European iOS...

16 January 2024 | App Stores

Google settles Play Store antitrust lawsuit

Google has reached a settlement in the antitrust lawsuit filed by 36 US states and the District of Columbia, including announcing changes that will impact users and developers.

As part of the settlement, Google will cough up $700 million. The breakdown includes $630 million earmarked for a settlement fund benefiting consumers and an additional $70 million directed towards a fund for the states, with distribution details yet to be disclosed.

Developers can also expect...

19 December 2023 | Android

Android finally checks sideloaded apps for malware before installs

In response to growing cyber threats, Google has introduced an update to bolster Android security. This enhancement focuses on strengthening malware detection before app installations, ensuring a safer Android ecosystem.

With this update, Google Play Protect now conducts real-time scans at the code-level during the app installation process:

By providing users with immediate feedback about the safety of the apps they are installing, Google empowers its users to make...

19 October 2023 | Android

Apple will prepare for sideloading in iOS 17

iOS 17 is expected to be relatively light on major new features, but it will still contain significant changes.

The majority of Apple’s development efforts over the past year have been focused on preparing for the launch of its mixed-reality headset. As such, most of the company’s existing platforms have taken a backseat.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a long history of accurate reporting on Apple’s plans, the upcoming iOS 17 will provide several...

17 April 2023 | App Stores

Apple is working on supporting App Store alternatives

Apple is working on allowing App Store alternatives due to legislation that forces its hand.

The EU introduced the Digital Markets Act in November which requires “gatekeeper” companies to open their platforms to other companies and developers. Apple has until 6 March 2024 to comply with the act by supporting the sideloading of apps on iPhones and iPads.

Similar legislation is being considered in the US and other regions.

Google has managed to avoid facing...

14 December 2022 | App Stores

Apple letter urges lawmakers to reject sideloading bill

Apple has written a letter urging lawmakers to reject a bill that would force the company to allow any apps to be installed on its mobile operating systems.

The letter, addressed to Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin and Republican Chuck Grassley, claims the proposed bill will hurt user privacy and security if passed.

In question is the S. 2710 bill that would allow software downloaded from the web or other sources to be “sideloaded” on iOS.

“Sideloading...

4 February 2022 | App Stores