iPhone users alternative app stores

Android has always been the go-to solution for sideloading apps on its devices. Be it downloading a region-restricted app like Tidal to listen to high-quality lossless music or sideloading apps not available on any app store. Apple has always been conservative about the idea of sideloading apps citing security concerns but new regulations might be pushing the Cupertino giant to loosen up. Apple has recently rolled out its latest iOS 17.2 beta update to the public this week, and it has a hidden surprise for iPhone users. According to 9to5Mac, a new public framework called “Managed App Distribution” in the iOS 17.2 beta code suggests that Apple may be planning to allow sideloading apps on its devices, which means downloading apps from third-party app stores.

The tech website initially thought this API could be related to improving MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps, but they soon realized this was different. For one thing, iPhones already have this feature. The API also has a reference to a region lock, which is not relevant for MDM solutions. Still, enabling sideloading apps in specific countries is essential per local regulations.

Further investigation revealed that this API has basic controls for downloading, installing, and updating apps from external sources and an extension endpoint declared in the system, allowing other apps to create extensions of this type. A new, unused entitlement can permit third-party apps to install other apps on iPhones.

“In other words, this would allow developers to create their app stores,” 9to5Mac writes.

Regulations to be met

This is not the first time Apple has hinted at sideloading apps on its devices. In April, a Bloomberg report claimed that Apple was laying the groundwork for sideloading apps with iOS 17, giving iPhone users access to a feature common on Android phones. Apple has traditionally closed its iPhone ecosystem, as users can only download apps from the company’s official App Store. With sideloading enabled, iPhone users could download apps hosted outside of the App Store for the first time while also allowing iOS developers to avoid Apple’s 15-30% commission of App Store purchases.

The reason behind Apple’s possible change of stance is the new European Union regulations that force Apple to open up its services and platforms to other developers and give users the option of downloading apps from different sources. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which will come into effect in 2024, is a historic overhaul of the EU’s digital rules that aims to curb the dominance of big tech companies.

While Apple may be preparing for sideloading apps on its devices, it is also focusing on another feature that it added with the latest iOS 17 beta: spatial video recording to capture videos in 3D. This feature lets users record lifelike videos with depth and dimension, but they will not be able to watch them until the Apple Vision Pro, a rumored device expected to launch next year.