iPhone App Sideloading Coming to Users in the EU in First Half of 2024

[Samplasion]

Because they can expand Google Play to iOS.

That makes the same amount of sense it would if Apple made an App Store for Android. Make of that what you will.

 

[BaldiMac]

Nothing’s (not the company, lol) stopping anyone from adding a better port alongside USB-C.

Other than the idiocy of a two port design.

And if a truly better port does come around, then the EU can update its law. It’s a win overall.

And how would it "come around" when no one invests the necessary resources to develop one?

 

[MilaM]

True, but in the interim they have created more waste, and buy the time the USB-C migration is complete some other newer, better port or even fully wireless will probably be rolled out.

It is risky to mandate a connector, I agree. Had they mandated Micro-USB, I would be livid. But USB-C is very good choice and will stay for a long time. I predict decades. My iPad has it since 2019 and it works without issue.

And wireless is really **** when you have to transfer a lot data reliably. Even my M1 MacBook Air can't keep up a low latency wifi connection because of how AirPlay and AirDrop work. Long story, I will spare you the details.

 

[Samplasion]

Other than the idiocy of a two port design.

Debatable but it ultimately boils down to personal preference. By the way, don’t new MacBooks charge with both USB-C and MagSafe?

And how would it "come around" when no one invests the necessary resources to develop one?

The same way the previous cables have come and gone, ie. a company wanting to provide a compelling reason to buy their devices

 

[votdfak]

I told you, if I have to explain it, you’re on the wrong site, lol.

As far as whatever else fell out of your mouth, I’ve no clue what you’re trying to say. No, 90% of apps are not free, and if they are, they hide the pro features behind a paywall.

Now, yes, developers can defend against certain attempts at using pirated apps, but not all and not in every instance.
The reason I know this is why people want it, is not just because they have said as much, but because for the first few years on Android, I did the same thing. Why pay for something you can get for free, f**k the dev.

My only hope is that iOS apps are harder to crack which will leave a lot of upset people. All that armchair activism for nothing, LMAO.

The thing is you cannot "explain". There's no f difference between desktop, server or mobile operating systems.

 

[Analog Kid]

Lets put it another way: how many Apple users really hate Siri and wish they could replace it with a different voice assistant but can't because Apple says so?

If that's where this is heading-- people can just shout out things they don't like and laws get made-- then the EU truly has lost its way...

 

[BaldiMac]

That makes the same amount of sense it would if Apple made an App Store for Android. Make of that what you will.

I have no idea what that means. Why wouldn't Google want to expand Google Play to iOS?

 

[BaldiMac]

Debatable but it ultimately boils down to personal preference. By the way, don’t new MacBooks charge with both USB-C and MagSafe?

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I was referring to phones. And, no, not debatable in that context.

The same way the previous cables have come and gone, ie. a company wanting to provide a compelling reason to buy their devices

Except the EU eliminated that exact incentive.

 

[webkit]

Vote with your $$$ is the best thing. Don’t like the walled garden, get an android there are hundreds to choose from.

And Apple has been preventing iPhone users from doing the “best thing” (your words) by not allowing them to "vote with their $$$$' and choose where they buy/acquire apps (sideloading, alternative app stores) for their iPhones. These iPhone users would love to do the “best thing” (again, your words) but Apple hasn't been letting them.

 

[jlc1978]

And how would it "come around" when no one invests the necessary resources to develop one?

I am sure there will be a standards committee taht will come up with a new one as USB evolves.

I mean, since there’s now just one cable for all devices, I reckon the waste produced by a hypothetical switch would be much lower.

One cable for power, but data is a whole other ball game. For CarPlay needs a OTG capable cable and nat all USB-C ones (and lightening for that matter) don't have that capability.

If you think the majority of iPhone users who wish to sideload are pirates, that says a lot more about you than it does about the sideload crowd

Based on what happened with jailbreaking and Android's experience, I think piracy will see a significant uptake as user realize it is possible.

 

[Samplasion]

Based on what happened with jailbreaking and Android's experience, I think piracy will see a significant uptake as user realize it is possible.

Sure, I don’t personally think it’ll be *that* significant but I guess we’ll see. I was moreso referring to the claims that “sideloading is for pirates” and “there’s no other reason to want it”

 

[Ctrlos]

If that's where this is heading-- people can just shout out things they don't like and laws get made-- then the EU truly has lost its way...

Its the freedom to use whatever service you like on whatever device you like.

PCs and Macs have worked this way since day one.

The open internet has worked this way since day one.

Phones should work this way too.

 

[Dade Murphy]

True, but in the interim they have created more waste, and buy the time the USB-C migration is complete some other newer, better port or even fully wireless will probably be rolled out.

Not that I am against the USB-C port mandate but do not see it realistically contributing to its stated goal for a long while.

One upside for manufacturers is since USB-C is now standard they can ditch putting cables in the box and make a few cents more profit.

I think we’re on the same page here. Politicians need to stay out of the tech sector. Hahaha

 

[I7guy]

And Apple has been preventing iPhone users from doing the “best thing” (your words) by not allowing them to "vote with their $$$$' and choose where they buy/acquire apps (sideloading, alternative app stores) for their iPhones. These iPhone users would love to do the “best thing” (again, your words) but Apple hasn't been letting them.

Seems like apple is allowed to do that in most of the world. The Eu had to thread the needle to enact legislation that forced the App Store open, which in my opinion only the big publishers may make out. The rest it’s gonna be a race to the bottom.

 

[I7guy]

I'm happy with my iPhone. Thanks. And soon even happier, when the DMA will take effect.

Glad you will be happier.

Side note. If someone created an Android phone whose main feature is a super curated App Store, would you switch?

It’s not about whether or not an App Store is a driving factor. It’s about crappy regulation and the potential for the race to the bottom.

 

[Dade Murphy]

I agree with the rest of this, but how exactly is is a downside?


Sure, but that’s not what you said. Unless you’re trying to imply iPhone = App Store


I mean, since there’s now just one cable for all devices, I reckon the waste produced by a hypothetical switch would be much lower. Besides, old devices don’t cease to exist, so old cables still remain useful.


If you think the majority of iPhone users who wish to sideload are pirates, that says a lot more about you than it does about the sideload crowd

But see, it’s not me saying it, they are. That’s the part you’re missing. It’s also human nature, if you can get something for free, why would you pay for it?

Didn’t you say you were a developer? So, it makes sense that you would have the opposite mindset. Unfortunately, I’ve seen what people who are left to their own devices, get into. SPOILER ALERT; it’s not legal, lol.

 

[I7guy]

Throughout all of the platforms that this has been discussed on, more people say they want to sdieload so they can install modified apps, than use it for legit purposes.

I’m not saying there are only a handful of people that line up with this individual, just that more people want it to pirate.

Since you can now sideload, you can now install a torrent downloader and you’re free to pirate whatever you wish, apps, movies, music, etc.

Boy, I wish there was a way to track the install metrics because torrent apps are gonna go through the roof. I’d bet my left nut on it, hahaha

Exactly. That’s the point. Porn, malware, scamware, apps used for sedition, apps used for back door access…all the types of apps that apple has prevented can now be downloaded either purposefully or by phishing.

 

[Dade Murphy]

The thing is you cannot "explain". There's no f difference between desktop, server or mobile operating systems.

The fact that you actually gave me the answer and don’t even know it, tells me all I need to know. LMMFAO

 

[MilaM]

Exactly. That’s the point. Porn, malware, scamware, apps used for sedition, apps used for back door access…all the types of apps that apple has prevented can now be downloaded either purposefully or by phishing.

Due to all the dangers you listed, I'm assuming you don't own and use a macOS device?

 

[I7guy]

Due to all the dangers you listed, I'm assuming you don't own and use a macOS device?

That is correct, but on the whole it’s not a proper analogy. The iPhone was sold as a device where there is no pretense that it is not a walled garden. Mac o/s, windows, Linux, et Al are not.

 

[Samplasion]

But see, it’s not me saying it, they are.

Who's "they"?

Didn’t you say you were a developer? So, it makes sense that you would have the opposite mindset.

Yes, and no. I am a developer but I'm not swimming in money. I don't want to give Apple one hundred dollars a year for the "privilege" of installing apps on my iPhone.

That's, incidentally, why I haven't updated my iPad past iPadOS 14; I have been testing something like 4 or 5 apps at the same time and I don't have to resign them every 7 days.

I also develop open source apps that would include a donation button, rather than paid and/or paywalled apps, though I recognize that's not really sustainable.

(P.S. I still haven't learned the layout of the buttons on this site )

 

[Jmausmuc]

Maybe you should emigrate to the US Anyway, the EU is a democracy, and this is how they work, majority rule.

No this was passed down by the EU commission and was not even voted on.

 

[Jmausmuc]

Freedom to be is being able to offer any good I want to the marketplace and to see if someone buys it.

I like that the iPhones finally use USB-C because it makes my life a bit easier. But I don’t like that some super government like the EU can just mandate it.

If Apple wants to sell the iPhone with the old 30 pin iPod connector again for whatever reason that should be allowed to do it.

If they want to make a powerless iPhone they should be allowed to do so.

 

[MilaM]

No this was passed down by the EU commission and was not even voted on.

The European Parliament had a vote on the DMA and approved it.

Digital Services: landmark rules adopted for a safer, open online environment | News | European Parliament

The new EU digital rulebook sets out unprecedented standards on the accountability of online companies, within an open and competitive digital market.

www.europarl.europa.eu

 

[Samplasion]

Freedom to be is being able to offer any good I want to the marketplace and to see if someone buys it.

I like that the iPhones finally use USB-C because it makes my life a bit easier. But I don’t like that some super government like the EU can just mandate it.

If Apple wants to sell the iPhone with the old 30 pin iPod connector again for whatever reason that should be allowed to do it.

If they want to make a powerless iPhone they should be allowed to do so.

That's where the whole discourse around mono-/duopolies comes in.