sideloading

It’s a big week for the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) legislation. The companies deemed to be tech gatekeepers in the EU, and those who operate gatekeeper services, will have to implement changes by March 7th. For Apple, that means rolling out the iOS 17.4 update to everyone.The iOS 17.4 software release brings support for iPhone sideloading and all that entails. Third-party app marketplaces, third-party payment systems, and a new deal for developers looking to take advantage of the changes are all…

A number of government agencies in the European Union and elsewhere have voiced concerns about security risks as Apple opens up its iPhones and iPads to rival app stores to comply with EU tech rules, Apple said on Friday.Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), from March 7 Apple will be required to offer alternative app stores on iPhones and allow developers to opt out of using its in-app payment system, which charges fees of up to 30%.Elevate Your Tech Prowess with High-Value Skill CoursesOffering CollegeCourseWebsiteMITMIT…

Apple's latest iOS 17.4 beta added a new "App Verification" screen in the App Store for EU iPhone owners, but the company now says it was a bug.The update, spotted by Dimitris Sartzetakis of @iSWUpdates on X/Twitter (thanks, MacRumors), showcases a pop-up which says "App Store" Would Like To Install An App"."Verify the information before installing," it adds, before offering a "Learn More" link.While Apple has told MacRumors that the update was a bug, it could also be a glimpse at how multiple app stores will be treated…

To reduce financial scams, Google has started a new program to prevent users from sideloading certain apps in Singapore. The company is looking to block sideloaded apps that abuse Android permissions to read one-time passwords received through SMS and notifications. Google said there are four sets of permissions that bad actors exploit to commit financial fraud. According to the company’s survey, most of these apps are sideloaded, which are installed onto the device manually — not through the…

The Apple App Store has nearly 2 million apps for any and all types of tasks imaginable on iPhones. While the number doesn't quite match the figures on the Google Play Store, these often tend to be more than enough to fulfil users' needs. However, the EU has now forced Apple's hand and the iPhone maker has issued an update that brings an alternative way to install apps on iPhones - a process known as sideloading. And although Apple has brought sideloading to the iPhone by allowing alternative app stores, the Apple App…

Last week, Apple released the iOS 17.4 beta 1 build. Now, a week after this version, the company is seeding a second version of the same beta, which means Cupertino might have corrected something important or is at least releasing the first sideloading changes focused on European users.For them, Apple is adding these changes: Marketplaces – or alternative app stores: App developers in the EU can choose to offer their apps in alternative app stores as long as they meet Apple’s criteria for customer experience,…

Apple is set to make some changes to how apps are distributed on its smartphones, ahead of a March 6 deadline before the European Union's Digital Markets Act regulations go into effect. The iPhone maker is changing how developers can offer applications on iOS, and will allow users in the EU to install apps from third-party marketplaces. However, Apple only plans to enable this functionality on iOS in the EU, and customers on iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS, will have to rely on the App Store to download apps.The Cupertino…

Google introduced a warning dialog with Android 14 last year, specifically targeting users downloading a Google app update from a source other than the Play Store. This cautionary measure, part of the “update ownership” API in Android 14, allowed app stores to claim ownership over an app and warn users about potential risks associated with sideloading updates from unofficial sources. Initially observed on Pixel phones and some Google apps, recent reports indicate that these warning dialogs are extending their reach…

It’s official: iPhone sideloading, third-party app stores, third-party payment systems, lower fees (with a twist), Apple Pay alternatives, game streaming apps, and better support for alternate browsers are coming to iPhone with the iOS 17.4 update.This sounds amazing until you actually start reading Apple’s press release and developer documentation. These features will only be available in Europe as of March 7th, which is the deadline for the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) that forces Apple to open up the iPhone…

For 15 years, the Apple App Store was the only way to download iOS apps.  Maria Diaz/ZDNETFaced with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) going into effect in March, Apple has announced that it is now allowing app sideloading in the EU, effective with the beta version of iOS 17.4. Unsurprisingly, Apple isn't happy about its loss of control over iOS apps, saying DMA creates privacy and security risks for users."The changes we're announcing today comply with the Digital Markets Act's requirements in the…