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Apple Working to Add Support for Sideloading and Alternate App Stores in Europe
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So now people's argument is "open or nothing"? Why does it have to be the extreme where "just get a flip phone for NO APPS!". I need Apps to use my phone.
Again a phone should not be compared to a computer. I need my cell phone to dial 911 at all times, not locked behind a ransomware screen. If that happens with my computer, just format and re-install. Easy. Phone? All my health data, location data, financials, CONTACTS, etc are all compromised.
I don't take my laptop on a run with me, but I take my phone. It knows where I am at all times.
That and that alone is reason enough to make it more secure than any computer platform.
And actually I never give my family admin rights. If they need an application, they tell me and I need to vet it. I am so sick of cleaning up their computers on a weekly or monthly basis they lost the rights to install stuff. Even then sometimes their profile gets messed up for non-admin level malware.
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There seems to be a lot of EU legal expert posting in this thread. I have an interesting thought experiment for something that Apple could do just for the EU market. Wonder if it will also run afoul of the upcoming DMA.
What if Apple released iPhones and iPads just for the EU market that can only consume Apple services? That means the Apple Store only allows installs of Apple's apps, tho. that's not many. Probably iTunes store, Apple TV+, Apple News, etc ... you know. Apple Arcade probably is out I suppose.
Since it is an Apple device that can only consume Apple services, it shouldn't be violating the DMA, as there's no Digital Market within the EU iOS/iPadOS to speak of?
What if Apple released iPhones and iPads just for the EU market that can only consume Apple services? That means the Apple Store only allows installs of Apple's apps, tho. that's not many. Probably iTunes store, Apple TV+, Apple News, etc ... you know. Apple Arcade probably is out I suppose.
Since it is an Apple device that can only consume Apple services, it shouldn't be violating the DMA, as there's no Digital Market within the EU iOS/iPadOS to speak of?
You’re onto something there. I see news stories every day About Android users dying because they can’t dial 911. Yep, every day. 🙄
And every single Android user’s personal data is freely available, right? Isn’t that what you’re saying? And not because of some app they installed that they shouldn’t have, but simply because sideloading is possible.
Thankfully most people—how do I put this nicely—have better critical thinking skills than you.
I suppose it could be possible, but without an App Store and the ability the access third party apps, I doubt anyone would purchase an iPhone this way.
Regardless, if you read this, it’s only a matter of time before they’re going to be forced to do the same here:
DOJ and 35 States Bring Antitrust Laws to Bear Against Apple - CPO Magazine
A lawsuit that follows on from the Epic Games vs Apple judgment of late 2021 has now been joined by the DOJ and 35 states, as Apple's app market policies are increasingly tested against antitrust laws.
www.cpomagazine.com
No but my grandma had a rogue app that drained her battery to where it couldn't go without 3 hours without charging. So if she was away from he home for more than that her phone would be dead....can't really call 911.
Regardless, the comparisons here are being made to computers. Please follow along. "Windows and Mac have been having NO ISSUES with dealing with this" is a common post here. Yet I have had to re-build entire companies infrastructure due to one email.
I have been in IT Security, could you please be less condescending with your posts? I can foresee the issues. People just blindly want to accept this because "YAY EMULATORS!!!!!!" THESE people lack the critical thinking. Please stop insulting me.
And again, you do realize Epic has also sued Google because its "so difficult" to side-load on even Android. So that will be the target next with all of this. It needs to be easy in Epic's mind.
Think about the long road, 1-2 years after this goes through. Not just weeks because "YAY EMULATORS!!!!!". THIS is critical thinking. This is what you are trained to do in IT Security. Think long term and bigger picture.
I don't think developers are looking to have the App Store fees reduced, they are seeking to circumvent them altogether.
It doesn't matter whether Apple kept it at 30% or reduced it to 15% or even 5%. It's a red herring ultimately.
Third, I don't think it's a bad thing to have a vetted App Store. It's telling that this lawsuit isn't being brought forth by consumers who want to be able to side load apps (because as it turns out, the majority of smartphone users don't really mind closed ecosystems). It's being levelled by companies like Epic who have vested interests in seeing the current App Store model burn down to the ground. Not least because Epic would then be able to make their App Store available on iOS, where they can not only keep 100% of profits from their own games like Fortnite, but also host apps from other developers and charge them a cut.
What it all means at the end of the day is that said developers are doing it out of their own interests, and not necessarily that of the end user as well.
Still, come what may, I don't expect Apple to give up without a fight, but as we get closer to the deadline, I expect to see the same old arguments on both sides, and yep, I do find myself regurgitating the same old points. This will probably one of the last few times I will speak out on said matter. I just hope that when all is said and done, iOS will still be the iOS I know and love to use.
Oh good god, I wondered how long before the pissing contest. I’m a retired IT guy too, and in all my years I’ve never seen one infected computer that wasn’t because of someone doing something they shouldn’t, or sharing files with someone doing something they shouldn’t, or from being on the same network as someone doing something they shouldn’t (not an issue on any phone).
So tell me, exactly how did granny’s phone get infected? I’ll tell you one thing I know for sure, it didn’t happen to an Android device that had sideloading disabled.
You’re either lying about being in computer security, or you’re truly horrible at your job. Either way, you should feel insulted.
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They opened an email that was infected. Spread to the network shares and went from there. Entire company was compromised. I had to restore from an old backup and implement security measures after the fact.
And you do realize malware DOES exist on Android....right? Just search, I am not making it up. Your do realize Android has more in depth multi-tasking.....right? Just search it, I am not making it up. Its not a giant leap to connect the dots and think "hmm a bad app in the background sucking up all the battery life on the phone". Heck, even some apps on iOS cause bad battery!
It was 5 years ago at this point. For cripes sake why can't you just be nice on here instead of insulting me? I should feel insulted? WHY?!
I will request again, please be nicer in your posts. I am sick and tired of being insulted.
5 years later, but HMMMMM I am CLEARLY making stuff up....right..
If Your Android Battery Is Suddenly Draining, This Could Be Why
It feels like our Android phone batteries always die at the worst times. You're trying to find directions in an unfamiliar city, or on the phone with a friend you haven't talked to in years—suddenly, your battery percentage is in the single digits. If you're an Android owner, this could be...
Millions of Android users suffer from battery-stealing malware apps — delete them now
16 Android apps found with Clicker malware on Google Play Store
Android malware apps with 2 million installs spotted on Google Play
A new set of Android malware, phishing, and adware apps have infiltrated the Google Play store, tricking over two million people into installing them.
Malware Statistics & Trends Report | AV-TEST
Provides visualizations of malware statistics that have happened in the last year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 year time period.
Mobile Malware Threats | Android Security Issues
Mobile device use is on the rise because smartphones and tablets are quickly becoming more powerful as companies embrace the idea of bring your own device (BYOD) policies and allow users to access corporate networks with personal technology.
Even Google has a help page for Malware. But wait, I thought Android had ZERO malware and I am "making stuff up!" https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9924802?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
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They're probably drafting Genius Bar policies right now on how to deal with people who sideloaded something, got hacked, and now can't get into their phones or whatever....then come to an Apple Store with the "oh, I don't know what happened..." excuses.
Actually, couldn’t be further from the truth, depending how Apple implements it.
On Android, it’s so easy. Many ads from websites (made worse with browsers being allowed to do push notifications) can simply trick people into downloading a malwares disguised as a stupid game/shopping app. And it’s only an extra tap to allow a browser to install apps.
I will use my parents as an example. Every time I meet them and check their phones, they have a ton of games or apps they have no clue about. It’s basically them mistakenly tapping in ads and notifications. I literally subscribed to YouTube premium family so they can watch YouTube without being tricked into tapping an ad. I also disable notifications from their browsers completely. Still, some apps got through.
Can’t imagine how bad it is on a lay person/elderly without any supervision.
If Apple were going to do it, they better put up rigorous checks from iOS to discourage the bad actors into teaching people to download malware. It’s too bad that the sleazy ones like Amazon and Epic games will be more than willing educating the public how to circumvent any security without teaching them the implications.
It’s not the being insulted that you’re sick of, it’s me calling out your flawed logic that’s bothering you.
For example, up until now, you’ve been telling me phones and computers don’t compare. Now, right here in your latest post you’re trying to prove your point by using an example about a bunch of connected computers that you had to reload to prove some point about sideloading on phones. So which is it? Phones can be compared to computers or not? You don’t get it both ways.
You’re clearly desperate to somehow prove that sideloading is inherently bad, and you’re never going to be able to prove that. So if you don’t want to feel insulted, stop hammering an indefensible premise.
The problem is, for these people, it’s Apple’s fault, and it can actually tarnish Apple’s brand. This is why Apple is fighting so hard against it since it can cost them dearly on their brand equity.
heck, there are already a lot of scam apps targeting iOS via web clips and profiles, tricking people into installing malware profiles through web clips.
No you have accused me of making stuff up, said I was not competent in my career, and said I should feel insulted. THAT is what I am tired of.
The examples of a computer are used to re-enforce my stance that side loading is bad. An infected Macro in an Office file caused an entire company nothing but issues because it lead to the installation of malware behind the scenes (computer in our comparison). I do NOT want my phones suffering from the same type of system (because it should be treated more securely - makes calls/has health and location data/etc). So we should not be saying "well computers can do it so should phones because they are computers!"
All I was saying what makes a phone a phone is enough to warrant the extra level of security vs traditional computers.
And its in the definition of side-loading and open system. It definitely won't be MORE secure than a closed system. And it won't simply be the SAME as you can download any iOS app from SomeHackerWebsite. So yes, it is inherently less secure.
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That example proved absolutely nothing. Again with the flawed logic. You’re talking about network-connected computers (not possible with ANY phone) that all have open ability to install code over said network (AGAIN, can’t happen with phones).
You’ve still proven absolutely nothing. Anyway, I give up. Hopefully Apple will make a special phone just for you (and granny). The rest of us will be just fine.
Then don't. This doesn't in any way affect you then. Literally.....
Thats the thing about the sideloading. IF YOU CHOSE NOT TO DO IT. It doesn't affect you at all.
You yourself already have the choice without this. Want an open platform, get Android. If you literally intentionally picked iOS, a walled garden platform for the past decade, it’s your problem. You are basically forcing your own preference as the default for everyone just because you made a bad decision.
It proved everything. Let me spell it out for you, if Windows was locked down like iOS, I could not simply install software from an email attachment. It would take me to the App Store. The fact that Windows/Mac etc are open environments allowed this to occur. So yes, this example proved my point. It has nothing to do with the network shares. It INSTALLED an application OUTSIDE a trusted app store. After it was installed, it spread. I am not talking about that portion of this.