Apple’s stance on sideloading and alternative app stores has been a topic of discussion ahead of the WWDC developer conference. While there were expectations that Apple would make changes in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to accommodate these features, software boss Craig Federighi indicated that Apple does not want to rush into compliance with new European laws. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), set to take effect in March 2024, aims to create platform fairness and will require concessions from Apple in various areas. Apple has, for security reasons, resisted the ability for iPhone owners to download apps from sources other than the App Store. However, this is expected to change under the DMA.
Federighi confirmed that Apple is working with the European Union to address these concerns. However, he did not provide details on the timeline or how the situation for apps on Apple devices would change. Apple’s focus remains on what is best for its customers, without clarifying what exactly that entails. Early expectations were that iOS 17 would lay the foundation for the EU requirements, possibly limiting sideloading to EU states. However, no significant announcements were made during the keynote or found in the developer documentation or new programming tools.
If Apple cannot find a way to circumvent the DMA, sideloading will need to be integrated into iOS 17 within the usual one-year timeframe. The new operating systems are currently being beta tested and will be available to the public in the fall. Apple could either secretly integrate the features by then, or release them in a sub-version like iOS 17.5. Given this possibility, Apple may also need to develop a new security concept to ensure apps loaded in this way remain secure.
In addition to sideloading and alternative app stores, Apple will also need to make other changes as part of the DMA. This includes potentially approving browser engines other than Apple WebKit for use as an SDK in apps. Apple may also be required to further open up the NFC interface and address interoperability specifications for its iMessage messenger. Another requirement under the DMA is for Apple to switch its Lightning connector to USB-C, which the company has already started implementing for many of its products.
