Apple is reportedly making some changes to iOS, which would allow people to sideload apps on their iPhones. It may seem unbelievable, but that is the case, according to a new report from Bloomberg. According to the report, Apple is taking this step to comply with EU laws, including the Digital Markets Act, which aims to prevent tech companies from creating a monopoly with their products and services.
Developers might never have to pay Apple an app distribution fee
Once Apple enables this feature, developers might ask people to download their apps through their websites rather than downloading them from the App Store. With this approach, developers may never have to pay Apple a 30% fee for distributing their app through the company’s platform.
If Apple allows app sideloading, it will most likely open the gates for third-party app stores (or app distribution platforms) on iOS. If that turns out to be accurate, Apple will lose much of its revenue from the App Store. But the company already has plans to make up for it.
Apple hasn’t allowed sideloading apps on iPhone because it is not secure. At least, that’s the argument it always makes. However, now that it is planning to allow people to do that, the company has to establish a secure way of sideloading apps.
Apple is thinking of other ways to compensate for the loss
One way for Apple to come up with a secure method of sideloading apps is to set up a screening or verification process, and that’s precisely what the company is working on, reports Bloomberg. For example, verified apps could get a ‘Certified’ badge.
However, Apple will most likely charge a fee for developers to offer the ‘Certified’ badge. So that means, if not through App Store, the Cupertino tech giant will earn money on the distribution of apps with the help of its app verification process.
Apple could enable sideloading apps on iPhones with the release of iOS 17, which will most likely debut in November 2023. So, it looks like iOS is becoming more like Android with each passing day, be it extensive customization of the lock screen and home screen, widgets, or the upcoming app sideloading feature.