Alternative iOS App Stores Only Work for 'Grace Period' When Traveling Outside of EU

[j26]

The solution is to stick with App Store until alternative market places becomes available world wide.

They already stated from the beginning that allowing more marketplaces will jeopardize the security, so why are you suprised ?

I didn't expect Apple to be the one to introduce the hole - at the very least they should allow updates from alternative stores. Then the security problem goes away.

To me it seems very mean minded to go out of your way to create a problem.

 

[treacher]

Ummm.. is your experience that there are "only supportive fanboys" here?

Because I see a TON of people here who are extremely critical of Apple here and that's a good thing.

However, there's little value in the opinions of someone who doesn't even use the products. Their opinions are based on... what exactly?

Read.

 

[steve09090]

This seems to complicate my life even more as an EU citizen. I hope no financial apps move outside app store. They are free apps anyway.

I think people would be crazy going to an alternative market to get a finance app tbh.

Even then, if a person downloaded particular nefarious apps from an alternative store, that app could easily scrape data from a legitimate app. A small number have gone through the actual app store previously under the guise of something else.

And those people wanting alternative app stores, please convince me it won't happen. I'll give it until April when this happens and you reap what you sow.

 

[hanske68]

No one is forcing them into an ecosystem.

Reality number 1. They are the most secure phones on the market. We don't need to rehash the malware debate here, but Android suffer pretty badly.

And they have clearly addressed your concerns about app security here:

"..risks from installing software from unknown developers that are not subject to the Apple Developer Programme requirements, installing software that compromises system integrity with malware or other malicious code, the distribution of pirated software, exposure to illicit, objectionable and harmful content due to lower content and moderation standards, and increased risks of scams, fraud and abuse."​

They also lose their rights on open Internet when they go to certain countries. Women also lose rights when they go to certain countries. But let's worry about downloading the latest porn from your favourite side loading app store shall we?

Perspective people, it's downloading an app when you have been out of the country for 2+ months!

IMHO "Nobody is forcing you to..." is almost as silly an answer as "I don't care about security because I have nothing to hide".

 

[twintin]

I didn't expect Apple to be the one to introduce the hole - at the very least they should allow updates from alternative stores. Then the security problem goes away.

To me it seems very mean minded to go out of your way to create a problem.

The problem is created by EU. Apple have been very clear about how they want to run their business and iOS since decades back and this is the result now. You can not reverse the core functionality afterward and expect it work without issues and still be backward compatible.

I tell you as I wrote above. Alternative market places is of no interest for any or very few devs until it become at least available world wide since you the user base is much smaller with alternative market places compared to App Store at present time.

 

[Glideslope]

Makes sense to me. EU laws don’t apply outside of the EU.

So simple one would could expect others to understand it. Guess not.....

 

[steve09090]

IMHO "Nobody is forcing you to..." is almost as silly an answer as "I don't care about security because I have nothing to hide".

That makes no sense.

It also makes no sense for people to download an app where it is very likely, eventually a person will download a malicious app onto their phone. But.. meh. Can't say they weren't warned.

 

[j26]

The problem is created by EU. Apple have been very clear about how they want to run their business and iOS since decades back and this is the result now. You can not reverse the core functionality afterward and expect it work without issues and still be backward compatible.

I tell you as I wrote above. Alternative market places is of no interest for any or very few devs until it become at least available world wide since you the user base is much smaller with alternative market places compared to App Store at present time.

You think the EU created this problem, I think Apple chose to create the problem by how it has responded. We differ there, and that's fine.

So, you think it's necessary to leave a security hole?

It's either deliberate and malicious or incompetent - you choose.

 

[SmugMaverick]

This behaviour from Apple is making me consider not buying an iPhone when it's time to upgrade.

Already beat you to it. 20-year Apple user here; tossed it all. Their true colors are loudly on display these past few years.

100% agreed.

It's so so petty from Apple, you can just picture Tim and his old cronies sitting in his office laughing.

I've owned every single iPhone but everything going on from Apple the last few years has been horrendous and really soured it all for me.

This is 1990s Microsoft levels of ********, they do not give a **** about us at all and the sooner people realise it, the better.

They lie about privacy, they lie about throttling batteries, they cheap out on everything, no designers left, failed vr headset, failed car, bend over for china and allow hacking airdrop, etc etc

Say what you want about Google, they don't pretend to be the next coming of christ and pretend to have chats with Mother Nature.

 

[CarAnalogy]

curious... why do you keep coming to Macrumors and commenting if you no longer have any Apple devices?

To inform. And socialize.

 

[treacher]

Say what you want about Google, they don't pretend to be the next coming of christ and pretend to have chats with Mother Nature.

They really are the Willy Wonka of tech, so many are still deep within their thrall (and believe they are self-aware enough that it couldn't possibly be).

 

[steve09090]

They really are the Willy Wonka of tech, so many are still deep within their thrall (and believe they are self-aware enough that it couldn't possibly be).

That's either really really funny, or perfectly ironic. I think both tbh.

But I am glad the people hating on Apple are here to "show us the way" like it's some kind of crusade they have.

 

[Konrad]

Everyone is right.

 

[jlc1978]

EU Citizens have the rights under GDPR regardless of where they are currently based I.e you don’t lose your right to be forgotten while travelling

Collecting data about EU citizens applies even if that data was collected in a non-eu country.

According to the European Commission, it depends on the circumstances and where and ow it is collected. It's doesn't always apply:

When the regulation does not apply

Your company is service provider based outside the EU. It provides services to customers outside the EU. Its clients can use its services when they travel to other countries, including within the EU. Provided your company doesn't specifically target its services at individuals in the EU, it is not subject to the rules of the GDPR.

As long as you do not target your services to individuals in the EU, you do not fall under its provisions. It's pretty specific about applying only if you target or monitor individuals in the EU; which is why some companies that don't do business there block EU IP addresses to avoid any appearance of targeting EU customers. If an EU citizen or resident travels outside of the EU and deals with a company the GDPR doesn't automatically apply. Home Depot, for example, blocks its site when I am in the EU and thus doesn't target the EU market.

The internet has made the extra-territoriality of laws an issue, IMHO, since one nation's laws may conflict with another's.

For multinationals it is no doubt a challenge to meet all of them and protect revenue; as Apple is showing with the EU's DMA.

 

[treacher]

That's either really really funny, or perfectly ironic. I think both tbh.

But I am glad the people hating on Apple are here to "show us the way" like it's some kind of crusade they have.

I was on the other side in harmony with the chorus of stout defenders just five short years ago.

 

[wanha]

View attachment 2356115

To inform. And socialize.

hmmm... isn't all your information outdated or soon to be outdated since you no longer use any of their products?

Also, your socialization seems to revolve around the negative since you seemingly have nothing positive to say about the company. Not sure how healthy that is.

If Apple and their products aren't right for you, I think it's great that you got them out of your life.

You do you, but maybe consider getting them out of your head too?

PS. We appreciate your crusade to save us, but look around... there are plenty of Apple skeptics around here.

 

[redheeler]

The lack of ability to update apps while not in the EU is not good enough. It introduces a security hole, as security updates will be parked until the person returns to the EU.

This will affect tens of thousands of cross-border workers, and students like my daughter who is from Ireland, but goes to college in the UK. Ireland is not the only country with a land border with non-EU countries, or who imports/exports students. There will be many people adversely affected by this.

And this from a company that's supposed to be all in on security!

A high level of security can continue to be maintained with alternate app stores thanks to app signing and sandboxing. This fight was never about security.

 

[Zest28]

This is starting to seem like spiteful behavior on Apple's part now.

I'm really starting to wonder why they're like this. The Mac is a successful product and they let you install software from anywhere. What's wrong with allowing the same on iOS?

99% of people will still use the app store, and installing software from elsewhere will be at your own risk, just like it is on the Mac, on Windows, Linux and every other computing platform.

It's tiring. If I didn't love the design of iOS, MacOS, etc. so much, along with Apple's stance on privacy, I probably would have jumped ship a while ago.

Mac OS is one of the least succesful operating systems on the market, what are you even talking about? It only beats stuff like ChromeOS and that is not even something to be proud of.

In the meantime, iOS is one of the biggest operating systems in the world, absolutely dwarfing Mac OS, it is not even close.

 

[Xanix]

Let me see if I understood correctly; according with Tim Apple's mind, if I travel to a non EU country for a period of time, «I lose my EU citizenship» on my phone?

Timmy, you better not test EU patience... the EU is slower to act, but the hand is big and heavy.

 

[wanha]

100% agreed.

It's so so petty from Apple, you can just picture Tim and his old cronies sitting in his office laughing.

I've owned every single iPhone but everything going on from Apple the last few years has been horrendous and really soured it all for me.

This is 1990s Microsoft levels of ********, they do not give a **** about us at all and the sooner people realise it, the better.

They lie about privacy, they lie about throttling batteries, they cheap out on everything, no designers left, failed vr headset, failed car, bend over for china and allow hacking airdrop, etc etc

Say what you want about Google, they don't pretend to be the next coming of christ and pretend to have chats with Mother Nature.

Wait... there are major companies that "cares about us"?

It seems to me your disillusionment with Apple may have to do with your own naive expectations. No company "cares about us".

 

[philstubbington]

What about Switzerland. It’s not uncommon for people in Germany and other countries to work in Switzerland but live in the EU.

 

[treacher]

hmmm... isn't all your information outdated or soon to be outdated since you no longer use any of their products?

Also, your socialization seems to revolve around the negative since you seemingly have nothing positive to say about the company. Not sure how healthy that is.

If Apple and their products aren't right for you, I think it's great that you got them out of your life.

You do you, but maybe consider getting them out of your head too?

PS. We appreciate your crusade to save us, but look around... there are plenty of Apple skeptics around here.

I appreciate your effort. You tried to come up with something to shoo shoo a skeptic. Those that you said are welcome here. I was a fan, and may become one again.

 

[Zest28]

What about Switzerland. It’s not uncommon for people in Germany and other countries to work in Switzerland but live in the EU.

Buy an Android phone, problem solved. Then you can install whatever you want.

 

[webkit]

This seems to complicate my life even more as an EU citizen. I hope no financial apps move outside app store. They are free apps anyway.

I wouldn't worry about it. I think the vast majority of apps currently in Apple's App Store will remain there. Some apps may ALSO become available in alternative app stores but that doesn't mean they'll leave the App Store anytime soon.

 

[spazzcat]

They make 90's Microsoft look like the care bears.

You have no idea what you are talking about.