iOS 17 Beta doesn't support app sideloading, but Apple exec hints it may eventually comply with EU rules

On June 14, Apple was accused of antitrust by governments around the world, especially the European Union, because its App Store and iOS do not allow users to install apps from other sources.

Last year, it was reported that the iOS 17 system that Apple is developing will allow users to sideload on iOS for the first time. Sideloading means that users can install apps from any source. However, Apple did not mention this feature at this year's WWDC developer conference, and the first beta version of iOS 17 did not have the sideloading function. Will Apple abandon this plan?

According to a Bloomberg report last year, Apple's vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi, directly led the project to respond to EU regulations. The EU believes that Apple charges developers up to 30% commission through the App Store, which limits market competition and consumer choice. Apple believes that the App Store is an important mechanism to ensure the security and quality of iOS, and sideloading will bring security risks and malware threats.

However, after the WWDC conference, Craig Federighi was interviewed by well-known blogger John Gruber and revealed some information. He said, "We want to make sure that what we do is good for our customers," and that Apple is "working with the EU" to discuss compliance issues. Although he did not explicitly say that iOS 17 will have sideloading capabilities, he strongly hinted that Apple will eventually provide this option to comply with EU requirements.

If iOS really supports sideloading, it will undoubtedly be a major change. But at the same time, Apple will try its best to make this feature unnoticed by most users. After all, the App Store is one of Apple's important sources of income. If the rumors are true, the sideloading function will only be opened in countries that are forced to allow it.

IT Home previously reported that the first beta version of iOS 17 is now open to developers. Apple said that the public beta version will be launched this summer and the official version is expected to be released this fall.