The iPhone may soon get a powerful new feature that Android has had for years – app sideloading. This means users can get apps from sources outside of the official App Store, providing them with a range of new options. The change is being made in light of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires platforms to allow apps from third-party developers. As first reported in Bloomberg’s PowerOn Newsletter, Apple is expected to enable app sideloading with its new iOS 17.
Android users are already familiar with sideloading, as they are allowed to download apps from third-party stores with only a few taps. Apple hasn’t shared the specifics of its plans but most likely it will be implementing a similar policy. Other rumored changes for iOS 17 include updates to CarPlay, Siri and Messages, as well as improvements for newer iPhones like the iPhone 14 Pro. The soon-to-be-released iPhone 15 will also benefit from new camera features.
The switch from Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable to USB-C is due to the EU’s array of regulation changes. This impacts Apple particularly as iOS and iPadOS hardware and software solutions. If these changes turn out to be true, then the upcoming iPhones will be a far cry from the ones released in 2022; USB-C being the same as every modern Android phone or Windows laptop, as well as app sideloading.
Mark Gurman is the Bloomberg reporter behind the PowerOn Newsletter and is credited with breaking the news of this potential new development. This would put Apple in a much better position in the consumer tech market as the number of viable Android alternatives begins to dwindle, with some Chinese brands opting for exclusive launches in China, like the Oppo Find X6.
Overall, Apple seems to be taking a big step towards increasing options and features for its customers. If these rumors turn out to be true, then iPhone users would have a great deal more freedom and control when it comes to downloading apps and software onto their devices.
