Significant changes are coming to Apple’s operating system. iOS 17 brought a lot of new features, but in a few months we will experience probably the most significant change in iOS in years. As 9to5Mac points out, the iOS 17.2 beta contains some signs that Apple is preparing to accept app installations from outside the App Store. As Mark Gurman, a famous journalist who specializes in Apple, explained in his newsletter, it is a change that already has a history.

Coming in the first half of 2024. According to sources consulted by Gurman, this is the date when Apple plans to implement this big change. Early next year, iOS will let you install apps beyond the App Store.

The change, which comes as a result of the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), is not accidental. It’s a regulation that has already come into effect, with selected major tech companies having to comply by March 2024 or risk being fined.

At your own risk. In 2021, Tim Cook compared this practice to driving in a car without airbags or seatbelts. An exaggeration that makes the company’s position clear. For Apple, installing applications outside the App Store poses a risk to user security.

However, due to European Union regulations, it will allow this to be done, as is the case with Android. Historically this has always been allowed, but Google has a similar position.

Apple will allow sideloading, but with many caveats. Gurman states that it will be possible to allow the installation of third-party applications, but this will be implemented as a “highly controlled system”, where users will receive a warning message about the dangers and responsibilities of installing an application outside the App Store.

Apple will comply with (and challenge) EU regulations. These changes assume Apple will comply with the DMA. It’s unclear whether sideloading will also be allowed for users outside of Europe, where Apple isn’t required to allow it.

Other changes expected in iOS are changes to iMessage and NFC payments. However, Apple has already announced that it plans to prepare a challenge to the Digital Markets Act.

Important changes are coming to iOS. Some of them have been discussed for years, but it looks like Apple has finally decided to accept it in early 2024.

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