Sideloading Bill Would Allow 'Malware, Scams and Data-Exploitation to Proliferate,' Says Apple

[canadianreader]

Sideloading on iOS 15 without AltStore

 

[Michael Scrip]

It’s even worse than that. They for example had “pulse measuring app” return multiple times skirting the reviewers that every time user put their thumb on the TouchID they payed for a subscription Unknowingly

Wow. Clever!

I can't wait to see what kind of new scams are created when people can download some scammy app from a sketchy website that now has your credit card number!

Like I said... fun times ahead!

?

 

[Ethosik]

IPA files can be side load today and have been for awhile, it’s not some unheard of trick. Actually instructions and stores exist at present and for sometime. You believe even if iOS is opened one can open an “.exe” file, realize how daft that is as an “.exe” cannot be opened on macOS. You seem to be confusing windowsOS and it’s executable file system.

You mentioned you were an IT person???

Really? Then what are these lawsuits all about then if I can launch IPA files NOW?

You really need to stop missing the point. You do it REPEATIDELY. Where did I say iPad can open exe files. I explicitly stated the opposite.

I asked this:

What setting exactly do you expect my grandparents to set to run exe files?

Which was in response to this:

Given the fact that your grandparents are able to follow directions to disable or enable windowsOS settings to install apps, and have not done so with iOS.

>>>and have not done so with iOS<<<

I asked that because there is no setting. And that is the ENTIRE reason I got my grandparents iPads to begin with because if they were running Windows 10, it would open no problem. But since iPad can't open them, they just hang out in the downloads folder.

 

[code-m]

They can't keep in touch with all the children, grand children and everyone else - as in Facebook. They NEED Facebook!

Which I personally don't get. I stopped using Facebook 6 years ago.

So Fb/Meta is harvesting all they personal information and feeding them nonsense via what they view on the platform and side loading apps in iOS is the bigger problem, got it that is some twisted upside down logic.

 

[44267547]

Wow. Clever!

I can't wait to see what kind of new scams are created when people can download some scammy app from a sketchy website that now has your credit card number!

Like I said... fun times ahead!

🤣

I get the satire. However, those same people, have to volunteer their credit card number. If they legitimately questioned the authenticity of the app or at least have some sense of awareness, it’s preventable.

 

[Ethosik]

Why choose loneliness? Just use an alias and good browser with uBlock Origin for FB which I find valuable for social events, group discussions, marketplace, etc.

Because I despise Facebook and all it stands for. But some family members cannot live without it.

 

[nebojsak]

Yeah, you said they shouldn't use a connected device. I said they need to because they need facebook. Correct me if I am wrong, but to use facebook it needs to be a connected device.....no? ?

So you are so upset about their security and want a secured walled garden for them, yet you let them click FB scam adds freely?

 

[Ethosik]

So Fb/Meta is harvesting all they personal information and feeding them nonsense via what they view on the platform and side loading apps in iOS is the bigger problem, got it that is some twisted upside down logic.

Yes because I am not forced to use Facebook. I haven't for years. But I am force to accept a less secure iOS with side-loading enabled. Random IPA downloads that might expose a security hole in the process.

 

[vipergts2207]

I have said before, I prefer Android in every other way except it is not a walled garden. iOS is a complete joke in many ways compared to Android.

In what ways?

 

[Ethosik]

So you are so upset about their security and want a secured walled garden for them, yet you let them click FB scam adds freely?

Some scam ads are what like to download those exe files, which as you know iPad can't open.

 

[Sophisticatednut]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. It makes no sense to make up a rule that applies only to Apple.

If they are going to force one company to invest in researching and developing a platform, building services and a market, setting up checks and balances, and then re-engineering it to allow people to circumvent all that makes it both secure and profitable, then they’ll need to apply the same rules to all companies large and small.

The ruling would essentially allow anyone to install anything on other people's cars, TV’s, Xbox's, PlayStations, Nintendos, tractors… everything... and not just as a result of a user's actions. Think about auto-updates. After all, we're ultimately just talking about computers and their platforms/systems. Such a ruling to allow side-loading has implications across all hardware in all industries. Even in healthcare. Another example. Say a hospital doesn't want to pay the service fees for their MRI, and a competitor provides a cheaper interface, updates, and calibration. Obviously, GE will be required to provide an interface that allows side loading their competitors' features.

Such a ruling would demand that engineers invest time and resources to create systems to support loading of 3rd party apps and services, which circumvent, replace, and alter all sorts of user experiences and services. It's not even a stretch. It's just a platform. For example, farmers have been fighting John Deere for years now, and with such a ruling, they could be forced to build ways to open up their systems and allow farmers to alter, replace, and diagnose better. Does everyone win with such open systems? Maybe. Maybe not. Another would be gaming consoles. They'd better brace themselves for it. Gaming consoles would become nothing more than lightweight computers (they are, but) they also would be required to engineer the systems to facilitate circumventing/side-loading past the business models. Has anyone consulted with Nintendo, Sony, or Xbox teams about the impact it will have on their companies and platforms?

In short, we're talking about legislating how platforms and hardware should be developed, forcing some overhead to develop those systems to allow competitors to circumvent or change their behavior, sandboxed or not, it's legislation of engineering more open systems in all industries. Interesting idea indeed.

You’re completely misunderstood everything. iOS have a market for third party developers. MRI and car systems doesn’t. And there is a separate bill right to repair that aims to force John dear or an MRI or ice cream maker to provide tools and guidelines for the owner or third party provider to repair the product they own instead of being forced to use a service technician to unlock what the error codes mean or to run simply diagnostics

Evidence of this because there are A LOT....A LOT of digital marketplaces that take the SAME 30% cut.

Hmm yes I do actually by our lovely Microsoft and Epic have their fee at 10% as well. And compared to what apple provide compared to steam/Microsoft it’s a robbery. Steam allows you to develop any game you want and they make sure it works and a legitimate game before sale. Same with Microsoft allow you to develop any game except adult 18+ material. And apple acts like saint Mary with their mysterious ways.

You want to know why this is the case? Its because people want their App reviewed quickly. You want Malware and bad apps gone from the App Store? Lets make the review process weeks or months long.

And tell me how it’s consumers and developers fault that apple don’t hire more people and develop software to better screen the apps instead of putting the money in a pile and cheap out?

 

[canadianreader]

Some companies catering to the few paranoid, yeah which also means Apple’s closed iOS is still not secure to these people. Great counter argument 😂

Couldn't agree more! I'm still waiting for this MR headline "Breaking news, researchers discover iOS vulnerability allows bypassing camera and microphone security" 😆

 

[mi7chy]

Sideloading on iOS 15 without AltStore

PITA and not permanent.

Q: How long will I be able to use the sideloaded app?
A: A normal & free Apple Developer account only allows the app to function for 7 days. After 7 days you can sideload it again using the same Apple ID, just make sure your progress is backed up. Apps signed with a paid Apple Developer Account can last up to 1 year.

 

[code-m]

Really? Then what are these lawsuits all about then if I can launch IPA files NOW?

You really need to stop missing the point. You do it REPEATIDELY. Where did I say iPad can open exe files. I explicitly stated the opposite.

I asked this:

What setting exactly do you expect my grandparents to set to run exe files?

Which was in response to this:

Given the fact that your grandparents are able to follow directions to disable or enable windowsOS settings to install apps, and have not done so with iOS.

>>>and have not done so with iOS<<<

I asked that because there is no setting. And that is the ENTIRE reason I got my grandparents iPads to begin with because if they were running Windows 10, it would open no problem. But since iPad can't open them, they just hang out in the downloads folder.

Presently installing IPA only work for a week if not a year approximately, it’s uses a sideways method. The certificate has to be renewed every week or a year depending on specifics. The lawsuit now is to not use a sideways workaround and to permit a true native approach similar to the AppStore.

As I have said if you are concerned that your grandparents are going to open random IPA apps off the internet, that can presently be done now and considering they are able to follow instructions then it’s clear not a case where they are going out of they way to install IPA files. If a website offers to download an APK file it will not install. Presently IPA files cannot easily be installed without going through some steps. Even if your worst fears are realized then put a passcode on the device and that way the only vulnerability is scams via emails or text message. You or anyone else cannot protect everyone from being scammed it happens, the only way is to minimize it by possibly keeping they personal information with extra layers of protection like a physical safe.

 

[Ethosik]

In what ways?

Customization (more home screen freedom)
Changing default browser (browsers download from play store)
Other app launchers (from the Play store)
How it looks and operates within Windows
More wider selection in the hardware from features and prices
Better multi-tasking - more audio sources for example that is what REALLY drives me crazy about iOS and iPad where if I am listening to music and browsing Safari and the website takes over the audio -- MUSIC STOPS!!!!
USB-C
More unlock options. Especially with wearing masks, I prefer fingerprints vs face recognition
Universal back button vs app dependent or swipe.
Better support for higher refresh rate

 

[Michael Scrip]

I get the satire. However, those same people, have to volunteer their credit card number. If they legitimately questioned the authenticity of the app or at least have some sense of awareness, it’s preventable.

Fair point. If people don't do their research... they deserve to be scammed.

I just love when people say the App Store is full of scams... and their solution is for Apple to allow sideloading so 1,000 scammy websites can offer up malware.

 

[mrochester]

This is why we can’t have nice things. Someone always wants to spoil it for everyone.

 

[Ethosik]

Presently installing IPA only work for a week if not a year approximately, it’s uses a sideways method. The certificate has to be renewed every week or a year depending on specifics. The lawsuit now is to not use a sideways workaround and to permit a true native approach similar to the AppStore.

As I have said if you are concerned that your grandparents are going to open random IPA apps off the internet, that can presently be done now and considering they are able to follow instructions then it’s clear not a case where they are going out of they way to install IPA files. If a website offers to download an APK file it will not install. Presently IPA files cannot easily be installed without going through some steps. Even if your worst fears are realized then put a passcode on the device and that way the only vulnerability is scams via emails or text message. You or anyone else cannot protect everyone from being scammed it happens, the only way is to minimize it by possibly keeping they personal information with extra layers of protection like a physical safe.

Don't you need a mac to do this? That is your argument that you can side-load now but need to spend an additional $700+ to make it happen?

 

[code-m]

Yeah, you said they shouldn't use a connected device. I said they need to because they need facebook. Correct me if I am wrong, but to use facebook it needs to be a connected device.....no? 🤔

Maybe just get them one of those Facebook tablet devices that way Zuck can also make sure they are safe at home by always watching and hearing them 24/7. 😝

 

[Ethosik]

Maybe just get them one of those Facebook tablet devices that way Zuck can also make sure they are safe at home by always watching and hearing them 24/7. ?

Oh believe me, I am the only one in the family that completely 100% HATES with a major passion facebook. But the rest of the family "NEEDS IT!" I can only help with what I can control. Running random downloaded exe files on Windows 10 is addressable. Eliminating Facebook from my entire family's life is not. I tried!

 

[code-m]

Don't you need a mac to do this? That is your argument that you can side-load now but need to spend an additional $700+ to make it happen?

There are two ways to side load IPA at present one is the expensive way by using a Mac the other is via the internet. It literally takes a minute or less to do it now. The problem is it is not permanent, only a week or up to a year.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is why we can’t have nice things. Someone always wants to spoil it for everyone.

We don't have "nice things" right now

We have über profitable for Apple and a false sense of security for users who apparently eat up everything Apple PR spits out.

 

[NorthernSkyLights]

What I don’t understand is why people here roaring about there iOS device. Yet don’t roar about how MacOS can sideload. I don’t see you guys complaining how you want MacOS closed up with no side loading?

 

[turbineseaplane]

What I don’t understand is why people here roaring about there iOS device. Yet don’t roar about how MacOS can sideload. I don’t see you guys complaining how you want MacOS closed up with no side loading?

Agreed.

I've brought this up several times on the forum and the folks wanting iOS to be locked down never have a reply about it.

 

[code-m]

Oh believe me, I am the only one in the family that completely 100% HATES with a major passion facebook. But the rest of the family "NEEDS IT!" I can only help with what I can control. Running random downloaded exe files on Windows 10 is addressable. Eliminating Facebook from my entire family's life is not. I tried!

Maybe use iMessage and FaceTime. The phone can be locked down to a certain extent presently. Use ad blockers etc.