Apple is opening up the iPhone to sideloading, allowing third-party app stores, or as Apple calls it “alternate marketplaces.” This change will arrive with the iOS 17.4 update in March, but only in the 27 nations of the European Union. The EU’s Digital Markets Act, passed in 2022, aims to regulate big tech corporations to prevent anti-competitive practices. In September, Apple was identified as a “gatekeeper”, and its App Store, Safari browser, and iOS operating system were categorized as “core platform services” that must comply with the DMA’s regulations.
Sideloading refers to the installation of a device without using the official app store. With sideloading enabled, users can download apps from the web or alternate app stores, even if they violate Apple’s App Store guidelines. Upon downloading, users will be asked to view the apps’ information before downloading and allowing installation.
Users can install marketplace apps from a website owned by the marketplace developer after approval. iPhone users can manage their default marketplace through a new setting, allowing them to make alternative marketplace their default instead of Apple’s App Store. The users can manage their list of allowed marketplace developers and apps and delete them at any time. Deleting a marketplace app will delete all related data from the device and stop app updates from that marketplace.
However, these options also create new risks for Apple users and their devices. Apple says it will have limited ability to address app-related risks such as scams, fraud, abusive content, and harmful material exposure. Therefore, it is important for users to be cautious when downloading apps from third-party sources and to only download apps from trusted sources.
It is worth noting that this change is not rolling out to users in India.
