What The Apple Security Chief Said About The Company’s Worries About Sideloading Apps on iPhones

Both Google and Apple have expressed worry with the new legislation requiring them to permit sideloading of software on iOS and Android, respectively. However, as most of you are well aware, Apple is not happy that Android has always permitted installing programs from third-party app stores, and Tim Cook has often discussed the reasons for this.

Apple’s security chief is the latest Apple official to talk candidly about the issue and what the firm fears when customers have the option to install programs from other platforms. The company is now forced to enable sideloading of apps, which is coming in early 2024.

In a recent interview, Head of Security Engineering and Architecture Ivan Krstic discussed the “misunderstanding” that exists about iPhone users and how they may need to depend on other app stores in order to get certain programs that aren’t accessible on the App Store.

“What the requirements for alternative distribution actually allow is that software that users in Europe need to use—whether for business, personal, social, or other purposes—may only be available outside of the store, through alternative distribution,” Krstic was cited as saying here.

In other words, developers might choose to distribute their games via other app stores or websites if Apple were to open up iOS to other app shops. This is what Epic Games has done with Fortnite on Android, for example.

He discusses the security issues and how the business should be concerned about these third-party systems since the App Store may not be as safe. Although it is a valid argument, the hidden purpose can also imply that the business is concerned about losing its developer commission, which can reach 30% for hosting programs that are downloaded by millions of iPhone users via the App Store.

Google has even spoken out against the double talk. Pichai was recently cited cautioning users against sideloading programs and stating that the firm does not support these practices, which put users at risk of malware infections or other wrongdoing. In any case, Apple must abide by EU regulations, which implies the business may limit sideloading support to iPhone customers in the area.