Shulou(Shulou.com)11/24 Report--

Thanks to CTOnews.com netizen Terrence for the clue delivery! CTOnews.com November 11 news, foreign technology media 9to5Mac dug deep into the developer beta version of iOS 17.2 Beta 2 and found relevant evidence that users (at least European users) can side-load applications from outside App Store.

Side loading refers to bypassing Apple's official App Store app mall and installing applications from third parties. Apple has yet to release its side load, but it may be open to users in the European market due to the implementation of the anti-monopoly law of the Digital Market Law.

The mined code shows that a common framework called "Managed App Distribution" has been introduced in iOS 17.2, where the associated API has the underlying controls to download, install, and even update the application from external sources.

In addition, the API can also detect whether the application is compatible with the user's current device and iOS version, helping to simplify and modernize MDM solutions.

"side loading is the best friend of cyber criminals," said Apple's Craig Federighi. CTOnews.com reported in August that Gurman said that in order to meet the relevant requirements of the European Union, the "side load" function is only available to the European market, allowing users to install App other than App Store.

Goolman said that Apple is currently promoting the "side load" feature of iOS 17, and the first new version that supports this feature is expected to be released in the spring of 2024.

Gurman said Apple was forced to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires "gatekeeping" companies, including Apple, to open their platforms and accommodate external app stores and payment platforms, and requires default services such as email and messaging to be set to third-party applications, so "side loading" is limited to iPhone users in Europe.

Goolman also said that Apple is committed to "diluting" the ability to side-load apps and will not advertise it publicly, and that the feature will be "hidden" in the setup app to dissuade as many users as possible from using the feature.

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