iPhone Sideloading Set to Transform EU App Market in 2024

For the first time, Apple Inc. is poised to allow iPhone users to sideload apps, a monumental shift for the tech giant that has historically maintained a walled garden for its App Store. This change, expected to roll out in the EU during the first half of 2024, comes in response to new competition laws within the region.

Regulatory Compliance Spurs Tech Giant's Move

A trusted source has indicated that Apple's decision to permit sideloading on iPhones is a direct consequence of the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation targets large tech companies, labeling them as "gatekeepers" and mandating them to open their platforms to competitors.

>>> Apple Anticipates App Store Policy Changes Due to EU's Digital Markets Act



Apple's adaptation to include USB-C ports on the iPhone 15 series, replacing their proprietary Lightning connector, was similarly influenced by EU environmental standards.

It was rumored that the capability for EU iPhone users to install apps from third-party sources is on the horizon, debunking earlier rumors of an imminent release tied to iOS 17.2.

The DMA, being specific to the EU, does not require Apple to implement these changes globally. Speculation abounds as to whether Apple will restrict sideloading to EU jurisdictions alone.

The Implications of iPhone Sideloading

Sideloading has been integral to the Android experience since its inception, offering users the freedom to install apps from any source.

However, this practice is accompanied by stern warnings due to potential security risks; apps not vetted by the Play Store may pose threats to user safety.

The introduction of sideloading to iPhones is expected to compromise the security that Apple's stringent App Store policies have ensured. Rejected apps will suddenly become accessible, exposing users to new risks.

Furthermore, developers will have the opportunity to bypass Apple's substantial App Store fees, potentially affecting the company's revenue stream.

Notably, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, could sideload their game on iPhones, evading the App Store's fees and retaining full revenue.

>>> Epic Games Asks Supreme Court to Revisit Apple App Store Fee Dispute

A New Era for App Distribution?

While the long-term effects of iPhone sideloading remain uncertain, it could lead to a significant shift in how apps are distributed. With major companies like Epic Games and Spotify challenging the high costs associated with app store listings, a move towards sideloading could be on the horizon.

As the industry awaits these changes, the potential for a more open app ecosystem looms, possibly altering the landscape of app distribution and revenue models for developers and tech giants alike.

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