Revolutionary Change: Apple to Allow Third-Party App Downloads

 This isn't the first time Apple has looked at Android features to see what it can bring to its iOS operating system (there's reverse wireless charging, for example). On the other hand, this will be the first time that Apple will copy the ability to install external apps on the App Store through sideloading, something Android has been able to do for a long time.

Revolutionary Change: Apple to Allow Third-Party App Downloads

The first rumors in this regard date back to the end of 2022, but now it seems that we have something more concrete to look at according to an article published by Bloomberg. Among all the news that Apple will present at WWDC 2023, the media reports that sideloading could be possible from iOS 17.

Apple users have gone through the entire existence of the iPhone without being able to install apps downloaded externally to the App Store, which has its ups and downs.

The positive thing is that users are forced to download the apps from a trusted server, with comprehensive controls and standards that developers are obligated to comply with. The downside is that this very process makes many developers not even think about developing for iOS. In this way, it may be possible to attract these programmers themselves.

However, there is one thing to keep in mind: Apple can only allow sideloading in Europe. This is because they must comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which comes into effect next May and which will require the ability to manually install apps or access third-party app stores to be mandatory. There is no information that the company led by Tim Cook will also allow this in other regions, as it will not be binding.

This would put the European iOS app market in a very different position from the rest of the world. If the company allows it also in other regions, it is very likely that it will completely change the balance of power regarding the ongoing war between iOS and Android.