Sideloading of apps on iPhones will be forced on Apple in the European Union (EU). As it turns out, this approach has a few more restrictions than sideloading apps on Android.
Reports say that Apple will review every app downloaded from third-party sources onto iPhones. This could be both good and bad. On one hand, Apple may block malicious apps. But they could also reject apps that don’t follow their App Store rules.
Apple has previously removed apps for using alternative app stores or game streaming services. So the review process may allow them to continue blocking apps they don’t like.
It gets even more restrictive – Apple may also take a cut of sales from sideloaded iPhone apps! Developers hoping to avoid Apple’s fees might be out of luck.
This comes after Apple let other payment options on iOS, but still took a percentage. So even if users install from other stores, Apple could still make money.
Nothing is set in stone yet. Apple may change their approach based on feedback. For now, it seems like sideloading on iPhones won’t be as open as on Android phones. Apple appears to want to keep control no matter what.
Only time will tell if Apple’s “review and fees” plan will satisfy regulators. But it shows they are still trying to wall off their ecosystem however they can.
