European app sideloading will become a new feature in Apple's iOS 17.4 beta, triggering compliance challenges

According to MacRumors, a well-known foreign technology website, Apple plans to launch the first beta version of iOS 17.4 this week. It is reported that the biggest adjustment of the new system is to provide support for the application sideloading function in Europe. This change is based on the requirements of the European Union's "Digital Market Act".

According to the requirements of the bill, Apple must complete the corresponding rectification work before March 6, including in Austria, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and other European countries. Provides support for third-party app stores and app sideloading. This regulation aims to promote fair competition in the digital market and break the monopoly of technology giants such as Apple on the application distribution market.

However, Apple has been firmly opposed to the Digital Markets Act and related provisions of application sideloading in the past few years, mainly based on customer privacy protection and security risks. Worry. Apple CEO Tim Cook said at a technology conference in 2021 that they believe app sideloading can be damaging to the security of the iPhone and the privacy protections established in the App Store. This is because app sideloading allows users to bypass the App Store and download apps from sources that have not been reviewed by Apple, which can lead to the development of malware and security vulnerabilities. Apple has been working hard to ensure that applications in the App Store undergo strict review and screening to provide users with a safe and reliable application experience. At the same time, they also attach great importance to users' privacy rights and take multiple measures to protect users' personal information. However, in the face of EU regulatory pressure, Apple is likely to take compliance measures to respond. They are expected to place some restrictions on third-party app stores and sideloading of apps on the iPhone. As far as I know, Apple has taken similar legal compliance measures in the United States, allowing developers to guide customers to use payment methods other than the App Store. However, Apple still charges a certain percentage of the commission and sets some rules.

Apple’s latest beta version of iOS 17.4 is an important step towards its compliance with international regulations. However, Apple still needs to face a key challenge, which is how to balance the openness of third-party app stores and app sideloading with its own interests while protecting user privacy and security. This issue is crucial to Apple.

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