The first beta of iOS 17.5 is here for developers, and Apple’s latest release is a version that allows apps to be downloaded directly from user-accessible websites.
This is part of Apple’s adherence to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, a law that requires them to open up the iPhone to various app sources outside of the App Store, focused on sideloading.
iOS users have long dreamed of getting the same sideloading experiences as Android, which has been available for years.
Apple’s iOS 17.5 is now available in developer beta
Apple has made the latest version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 17.5, available in beta testing for developers to work on as part of its DMA compliance, according to MacRumors.
It was part of Apple’s plans to ship iOS 17.5 with the long-awaited ability to download apps directly from web pages through available browsers on the iPhone.
Other beta users can also access this new technology to try out the experience, but Apple is giving developers time to work on making this website available in beta only.
Apple requires developers to be part of the Apple Developer Program for two years, to have at least one million downloads in the EU and to provide the company with the necessary documents.
Read also: Apple claims to have complied with the EU DMA despite criticism from big tech
iOS 17.5 brings downloading apps from websites
This was part of Apple’s previous update in March, which announced the availability of direct download and installation for apps in the EU. However, as noted by the company, it is only available to eligible developers who have met all required prerequisites.
For eligible developers, their apps do not need to be in the App Store or other third-party app stores for distribution, as they would be downloadable from websites.
Apple’s compliance with the EU DMA
The most significant change to Apple’s iOS and App Store for EU DMA is sideloading, and it is now available for users who have updated to iOS version 17.4, the latest available worldwide. However, there are still a few rules that Apple has in place regarding sideloading, and it would only allow it if a particular app achieved a total of one million downloads in 2023.
In addition, Cupertino also said that EU users who venture out of the region will only have 30 days before sideloaded apps can no longer be updated to their latest versions.
This means that those who want to get the latest update for their sideloaded apps would have to go back to any part of the EU to do so, but that doesn’t mean it will stop working.
Apple still has a few specific rules regarding sideloading, one of which the company chooses to keep and adhere to as an iOS requirement.
With iOS 17.5, users can now download apps directly from websites, but the version of the operating system is still in beta and will soon be publicly available to allow access to third-party apps outside of app stores.
Related article: Apple now allows EU users to download apps from websites, bypassing app markets
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