Right now, everyone’s attention is on iOS 18 and all the artificial intelligence (AI) updates it’s rumored to bring. But amid all that attention, Apple quietly rolled out an equally significant change in iOS 17 — and you might be able to take advantage of it right now.
That’s because Apple intends to allow users in the European Union (EU) to start downloading apps from external websites in iOS 17.5. It’s the latest development in a long, winding road to sideloading that Apple has taken in recent months, and it could radically shake up the way you add apps to your iPhone if you live in the EU.
This feature appeared in the first development beta version of iOS 17.5, which is currently available (there is no information on when iOS 17.5 will become available for everyone else). Previously, Apple announced that it would allow developers to offer apps in alternative app stores, and this functionality appeared in iOS 17.4. However, now Apple has relaxed its app rules even more and – if you’re in the EU – allows you to download apps from developer websites, not just external app stores.
This could potentially give users a lot more choice in how they get their apps, and moves iOS much closer to macOS, where people have been able to download and install apps from websites for years. However, the changes still aren’t coming to the iPad, meaning EU users can only download apps from third-party websites to their iPhones.
Playing by the rules
Despite relaxing its app policies, Apple isn’t about to open the floodgates to any dubious apps that could harm iOS devices. In order to be able to offer applications from their websites in the EU, developers must meet a series of strict criteria set by Apple.
This includes being a member of Apple’s developer program for at least two continuous years and having an app with at least one million first installs on iOS in the EU in the previous year. Apps must also undergo Apple’s notarization process (which checks for malicious elements), and the developer must post clear, transparent data collection policies for users to see.
If developers meet those criteria, Apple will provide them with an API that allows users to download apps from their websites. These apps can then be backed up, updated and restored, just like those obtained from the official App Store.
The idea is that these rules will make it harder for dangerous apps and nefarious developers to wreak havoc on iOS. Apple has long opposed opening up its app ecosystem on the grounds that it could result in a flood of malware and fraudulent apps flooding users’ devices. With these strict policies, the company is no doubt hoping to avoid such an outcome while complying with EU rules on opening its famous walled garden.
How successful this move will be remains to be guessed at, but as the EU is breathing down its neck, it is clear that Apple’s hand was forced. Regardless of the outcome, iOS will likely never be the same.