Apple is expected to introduce a new feature in their upcoming iOS 17 software update, which will allow users to sideload apps on their iPhones. The update is scheduled to be released around September, alongside the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro smartphones. The announcement will be made official at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The ability to sideload apps means that users can load apps on their iPhones from other app stores, besides the official Apple App Store. This move is in compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires companies like Apple to allow alternative companies and developers to offer their apps on their platforms. Gurman’s comments on this update can be seen below.
And iOS 17 will cause some noise beyond WWDC itself. Apple is working to overhaul the software to open up the iPhone to sideloading — the downloading of apps outside of its official store — to comply with new European regulations by next year.
Mark Gurman
It would be intriguing to observe the consequences of Apple’s decision to permit apps from other app stores on its platform, and whether this move would adversely affect the company’s revenue from its app store.
