Signs point to Apple soon allowing iPhone users to install apps from third-party stores, an activity known as downloading. Code found in Apple’s latest iOS 17.2 beta release hints that the groundwork for download capabilities is actively being laid.
What exactly are downloader apps?
For those unfamiliar, downloading is the installation of apps from sources outside of the official app store associated with a device’s operating system. Until now, iPhones have strictly limited users to only downloading apps available through the Apple-owned App Store.
Enabling downloading would, for the first time, give iPhone users the option to search for apps in alternative markets. Additionally, it would give iOS developers an avenue to distribute their apps without needing to share 15% to 30% of their revenue with Apple in App Store commissions, as is currently required. Additionally, you can also read an article about Apple Releases iOS 17.1: Top 5 New Features Coming to Your iPhone
Sideloading has always been possible on Android devices.
Unlike iPhones, smartphones running Google’s Android operating system have always allowed app downloads. Android users can download apps from third-party stores, such as the Amazon Appstore or developer websites, for free. The upcoming download support for iPhones would essentially give Apple device owners capabilities already long established among Android users.
Upcoming EU regulations apparently force Apple to make the decision
Apple’s sudden and apparent adoption of sideloading seems directly related to impending EU regulations calling for fairer competition. The European Union’s Digital Markets Law, which will come into force in 2024, contains provisions requiring major tech corporations to open their services and platforms.
Specifically for Apple, the new rules will require opening iPhone ecosystems to alternative app distribution channels. Instead of fighting regulations, Apple seems to have accepted the inevitable and started implementing the necessary foundations of iOS. Additionally, you can also read about: Apple launches iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 with new features and improvements
iOS 17.2 Beta Code Signal Preparations Underway
According to the report, the iOS 17.2 beta contains code indicating that Apple is actively laying the groundwork to support the download. An API called “Managed Application Delivery” was discovered, which contains tools to download, install, and update externally sourced applications.
The code also references region locking capabilities likely intended to keep the download compliant with location-specific regulations. Additional rights were also found that allow third-party applications to install other applications.
While the full download solution may not fully manifest until the eventual release of iOS 17, the beta provides strong evidence that Apple has begun equipping iPhones with internal download functionality.
Apple touts other upcoming iOS 17 features for now
Instead of drawing attention to the controversial download support, Apple’s iOS 17 messages have focused on other additions. Most notably, Apple has touted a new spatial video recording to capture immersive 3D videos for viewing on upcoming AR/VR headsets.
In short, iPhone users anticipating downloaded app capabilities will likely have to wait for the official iOS 17. But Apple seems to have accepted the inevitable and started working to make iPhones more open.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn