The recent law dictates that Big Tech companies allow third-party app downloads to give customers more flexibility.
So, sideloading is coming to the iPhone for suremost likely with iOS 17 in 2023.
But how will that change the iPhone?
Here are five reasons forced sideloading will make the iPhone worse.
Increased Security Risk From Unapproved Apps
A huge part of Apple’s own App Store involves security.
This makes sure that there’s nothing harmful in apps, such asspyware or malware hidden inside an app.
Image Credit: Håkan Dahlström/Flickr
Apple even goes as far as tomake sure apps are kept up-to-date, or they risk removal.
With the introduction of third-party app stores, Apple won’t get to cast an eye over new apps.
However, there is room for official third-party app stores to exist.
Similar sites for Android devices, such asAPKMirror, exist with a large library of safe apps to download.
The question comes, will your average user be able to tell what’s safe and which isn’t?
Surely, you could just redownload your app from the new store?
Absolutely, that’s how it would work!
But once again, less technical individuals might not know how to do this.
And things could start to get very confusing should apps start disappearing from home screens.
What then happens when an app gets updated?
Or even the simpler element of app sales could get confusing, with multiple sources of revenue.
And what if a developer picks no app store and allows sideloading from a website?
Image Credit: Håkan Dahlström/Flickr
The installation process could start to get even trickier.
If the process is so simple at the moment, big changes are likely to complicate matters.
Ask many iPhone userswhy they prefer to use an iPhone, and iOS will likely be a top answer.
Apple’s software is well-known for being easier to use and more secure.
Third-party apps and sideloading risk this part of the iOS reputationbut it’s not just the reputation at risk.
Like it or not, Apple’s greater level of control is a large part of iOS.
Remember, Android has always allowed third-party stores and sideloading; iOS has not.
It’s the switch that brings up problems for everyday users, not the existence of such options.
Apple is likely to somewhat squirrel away sideloading tweaks, much likeinstalling third-party apps on Macs.
Wasn’t the EU’s legislation all about making things easier?
The governing body’s ability to force legislation on tech companies is a rather worrying turn of events.
Plus, it’s not right for governments to have so much control over private companies.
It’s always been the case on Android, which nothing new for existing users to adapt to.
