If you want to install apps on your iPhone or iPad, you must download them from the App Store. This has changed since iOS 17.4. Apple users in the EU will soon be able to install iPhone apps outside the Apple App Store through sideloading.
The tech company thus complies with European legislation that requires multiple installation options. In a news item Apple has announced the changes so that developers are aware of what to expect. The new options have been available to users in the 27 EU countries since March 5, 2024, but developers must first offer alternative App Stores.
What is sideloading?
Application sideloading is the process of installing an application on a mobile device or computer, without using the manufacturer’s official app store. With sideloading, you install an app from a source outside Apple’s official App Store.
This can be done by downloading an app from a third-party website, via a USB connection to a computer, or by installing an app from another app that has access to the installation files.
Mandatory in the EU
By offering sideloading, the tech company complies with European legislation that requires multiple installation options. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) states that “gatekeeper” companies must open their services and platforms to other companies and developers. In the case of iOS, users should be able to install apps in other ways. This could mean that you can download and install the application via the provider’s website, or via other platforms such as the Microsoft Store, etc.
European App Store spin-off
Apple has split the European App Store from the global version. This gives the EU a separate App Store with different rules. This means that users in the United States and other parts of the world can still download and install their applications only through the App Store. In the European Union this may also be possible via other platforms. Also Japan prepares a law which will eventually require sideloading.
Changes in iOS
In the EU, Apple is making a number of changes to iOS to comply with the DMA. For developers, those changes include new options for distributing apps. It is good to know that these changes only coming to the iPhone for nowApple has not yet reported anything about the iPad. Upcoming changes to iOS in the EU include:
- New options for distributing iOS apps from alternative app marketplaces – including new APIs and tools that allow developers to offer their iOS apps for download from alternative app marketplaces.
- New framework and APIs for creating alternative app marketplaces – allowing marketplace developers to install apps and manage updates on behalf of other developers from their dedicated marketplace app.
- New frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines – allows developers to use browser engines, other than WebKit, for browser apps and apps with in-app browsing experiences.
- Interoperability Request Form – where developers can submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.
Apple wants to limit risks
Although application sideloading offers more flexibility when installing apps, it is important to be careful as it can come with risks such as installing malicious software. Users should always carefully check that the source of the app is trustworthy and that the app is requesting the correct permissions. This allows you, for example, to install fake bank applications to commit fraud. This is one of the reasons why Apple did not allow sideloading for years.
Apple cannot eliminate those risks, but within the limitations of the DMA, the company will take steps to reduce them. These precautions apply when users download iOS 17.4 or later and include:
- Mandatory notarization for iOS apps – a basic assessment that applies to all apps, regardless of their distribution channel, focusing on platform integrity and user protection. Notarization involves a combination of automated checks and human review.
- App installation sheets – that use information from the notarization process to provide at-a-glance descriptions of apps and their functionality before downloading, including the developer, screenshots and other essential information.
- Authorization for marketplace developers – to ensure marketplace developers commit to ongoing requirements that help protect users and developers. In addition, alternative App Stores must meet various requirements, such as a letter of credit of 1 million dollars.
- Additional malware protection – which prevents iOS apps from launching if they are found to contain malware after being installed on a user’s device.
These protections – including notarization for iOS apps and authorization for marketplace developers – help reduce some of the privacy and security risks for iOS users in the EU. That includes threats such as malware or malicious code, and risks from installing apps that misrepresent their functionality or the developer responsible.
However, Apple has less ability to address other risks, including apps that contain scams, fraud, and abuse, or that expose users to illegal, offensive, or harmful content.
Changes in the App Store
In the App Store, Apple is sharing a number of changes for developers with apps in the EU, which affect apps in Apple’s operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. The changes also include new disclosures informing EU users of the risks associated with using alternatives to the App Store’s secure payment processing.
For developers, those changes include:
- New options for using payment service providers (PSPs) – within a developer’s app to process payments for digital goods and services.
- New options for processing payments via link-out – where users can complete a transaction for digital goods and services on the developer’s external website. Developers can also inform EU users about promotions, discounts and other deals available outside their apps.
- Reduction of fees in the European App Stores – a reduction from 15% to 30% to 10% to 17%, also outside the App Store. If the developer uses the App Store payment system, they pay an extra 3%.
- Core Technology Fee – iOS apps distributed from the App Store and/or an alternative app marketplace will pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold.
Availability
On March 5, Apple updated their platform to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This states that Apple, for example, must also allow other ‘stores’ to download and install apps, but must also allow Apple developers to point users to payment options outside the App Store. This doesn’t mean you can use sideloading straight away, developers need to create their alternative App Stores and downloads. In the future you can expect the following App Stores:
- Mobivention App Marketplace starts on March 7 and focuses on consumers and business customers.
- Setapp Mobile from MacPaw – April 2024: Just like on the Mac, you can use an all-in-one package with full access to all apps for a fixed amount per month.
- Epic Games Store – autumn 2024: Access to Fortnite and more games