In the latest edition of his “Power On” newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated that Apple has informed support staff not to discuss the possibility of sideloading in other parts of the world.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act forces Apple to allow sideloading
of the EU Law on Digital Markets (DMA) requires tech giants like Apple to open up their ecosystems to promote competition. This includes allowing sideloading and allowing users to install non-official apps Application store.
DMA takes effect on March 7, which means Apple must launch sideloading in the EU by that date — iOS 17.4 is expected to introduce the functionality in the coming weeks.
Sideloading has long been banned on iPhones with limited exceptions. Apple maintains strict control over its App Store to ensure security and quality. However, regulators argue that the closed ecosystem stifles competition.
It is unlikely that Apple will expand Sideloading to other regions
While iPhone users around the world may want freedoms similar to those enjoyed by the EU, Apple has no plans to voluntarily expand sideloading.
The company warned that enabling sideloading in a broader sense could violate privacy and security. Malicious apps could bypass App Store protections.
It took EU legislation to force Apple to open iPhone sideloading there. Without external legal pressure, worldwide expansion is unlikely.
Support staff inquiries are expected
As iPhone users in the EU get new side-loading rights, Apple is likely to expect inquiries from customers in other countries wondering if they too will get the expanded capabilities.
By instructing support staff not to speculate on the further rollout of sideloading, Apple aims to lower expectations and curb misinformation.
While Apple is adapting its iPhone software for the EU market, it has given no signal that it intends to fundamentally change its controlled ecosystem approach for other regions.
Although Apple is opening up the iPhone to sideloading in the European Union, it won’t be available in most other markets. So iPhone users outside the EU shouldn’t expect sideloading to become a thing unless Apple changes its policy.