iPhone may soon be able to install apps outside the App Store

After analyzing the iOS 17.2 beta, the technology site9to5macdetails have been uncovered that suggest the iPhone will soon support downloading applications outside the App Store. Specifically, Apple has named an application programming interface (API) "Managed App Distribution", thereby allowing developers to set up their own app stores.

At a deeper level, this API governs the process of downloading, installing, and updating apps from external sources. It can even check whether any given app is compatible with the current device or version of iOS, similar to what the App Store does.

Additionally, iOS 17.2 also contains documentation about region locking in the API.9to5macThis is Apple's way of restricting the ability to download apps from external sources in some countries, in response to requests from local regulators.

Apple representatives have not commented.

For years, Apple has been against “sideloading,” the practice of installing software without going through the official app stores that exist on Android, Windows, and Mac computers. The company believes that downloading apps from unknown sources is unsafe and undermines privacy.

"Data-hungry companies can bypass our privacy rules and track users," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. He also warned iPhone users of the risk of downloading malicious software and having their data stolen.

But earlier this year, Apple was forced to make changes to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is set to come into effect in March 2024. Some of the provisions require phone makers to let users install apps from any source they choose. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 20% of Apple’s global revenue.

Some sources said that, in addition to complying with the law, Apple is also considering the idea of ​​charging for app verification, which is applied on Mac computers, to help ensure safety when users authorize the installation of software outside the company's app store.