App Store loosens grip on iOS apps

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Apple is working on modifications to iOS that would let users circumvent the App Store to download apps, according to Bloomberg. Apple has been compelled to break its stance dating back to the very beginnings of the iPhone due to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), with changes potentially available late 2023 with the release of iOS 17. However, Apple is looking at ways to limit users’ exposure to malware by continuing to require application verification, for example. The Bloomberg article suggests that these changes might only take effect in Europe, and would not impact users elsewhere such as in North America. This would also be a sea-change for Apple, as iOS has always offered the same features and experience to all users, no matter where they are located.

⇨ Ars Technica, Samuel Axon, “Report: Apple plans to support sideloading and third-party app stores by 2024.”

2022-12-13