If you’re eagerly anticipating the iOS 17 sideloading feature, get ready to step forward. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), effective as of November 1, 2022, mandates that “gatekeeper” companies open up their services and platforms to third-party companies and developers. This means that Apple is required to implement the sideloading feature, allowing its users to download apps from third-party app stores.
However, Apple is not likely to widely offer this feature, as it has consistently opposed it. If you’re curious to know whether sideloading is coming to iOS 17 or if you’re excited about installing apps from third-party stores on your iPhone, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out if iOS 17 will support sideloading in your country.
Is Sideloading Apps Possible in iOS 17?
As of now, Apple has not introduced sideloading in iOS 17. There was no mention of third-party app stores at its WWDC 2023 event or the fall event where it announced the new iPhone 15 series. While Apple has not provided any official information about whether iOS 17 will bring sideloading to iPhones, it will eventually have to comply with EU law, which mandates that all smartphone manufacturers are required to enable users to download apps from alternative app stores.
Is Sideloading Coming to iOS 17?
With a heavy heart, Apple will indeed have to allow sideloading of apps on iPhones, but there’s a catch. It’s expected that the sideloading feature will only be available in European regions where the DMA is applicable. No other countries, not even the US, will have access to the sideloading feature. Here’s a list of some countries where iOS 17 sideloading could be available:
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Romania
- Sweden
- Spain
Following the Brexit law that took effect in January 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU and does not adhere to its regulations. As a result, users in the UK will not be able to use sideloading on their iPhones.
When Can We Expect iOS to Support Sideloading?
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) will come into effect in Europe in March 2024. This gives Apple six months to implement the required changes. Despite releasing the final version of iOS on September 18, 2023, Apple did not include the sideloading of apps. We can expect Apple to continue adding features to its newest iPhone operating system in the coming months via iOS 17.x updates. While Apple has not disclosed specific details regarding the availability of sideloading for iOS 17 users in Europe, it is expected to be implemented by March 2024.
What Happens if Apple Ignores DMA Rules?
The European Union represents a crucial market for Apple, but the company faces a dilemma: comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) or continue to contest it. Apple could opt to forego implementing sideloading on the iPhone and disregard the DMA.
However, failing to comply with the DMA could result in fines of up to 20% of Apple’s total annual turnover, potentially amounting to tens of billions of dollars. While Apple has consistently opposed sideloading, citing concerns about user privacy and security, it recently stated that it would adhere to EU regulations. This decision, however, appears to be a reluctant one, similar to the adoption of USB-C on iPhone 15 models.
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