Sideloading will indeed arrive on iPhone and iPad in the first half of 2024

According to some rumours, it would seem that Apple is ready for a historic turning point, that is, to open up to sideload, a practice that is already very common on Android devices. In practice, it is the opportunity to download and install apps also from third-party sources. In the latest beta of iOS 17In fact, some references have been observed that suggest that the Cupertino company is actually opening up to this possibility, especially because it will have to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union, which is pushing hard on this aspect.

About it, then, second Bloomberg’s Mark GurmanEuropean users will get this new feature in the first half of 2024. In particular, according to Gurman, Apple will introduce a “highly controlled system” which will allow EU users to install apps from third-party sources. Additionally, Apple would also make changes to the Messages and paid apps, likely via an iOS 17 update. However, this rumor “contradicts” a previous report that claimed sideloading would be implemented with the update iOS 17.2 (which should be released next month).

Among other things, while obliged to comply with the provisions of the European Union, Apple has stated that sideloading “will undermine privacy and security protections,” These are aspects that iPhone users particularly rely on. In any case, the company will have to comply with the DMA, otherwise would risk fines of up to 20% of the total turnover achieved worldwide. Finally, Gurman, in the past, highlighted how Apple was considering the possibility of allowing the installation of third-party apps only after checking certain security requirements. A similar mechanism, for example, is that of “Gatekeepers“, available on macOS and which provides users with greater security when downloading software outside the Mac App Store.