iOS will never be the same again. Today, March 1, Apple announced that it has already launched the “sideloading” system for European users. As planned, thanks to compliance with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is already offering access to more than 600 new APIs created to enable this change. A historic change that will allow iOS users in Europe to: Install apps from alternative stores to AppStoreas well as using alternative payment systems.

We are faced with the most important change in the history of iOS, which will be fully available with iOS 17.4 starting next week. It’s a different direction, forced by European authorities and Apple having to restructure the way privacy and security is managed in its operating system.

The main change Apple made to allow “sideloading” in Europe is “Notarization for iOS” launch. Through this system, Apple will review all applications created for iOS for minimum security, regardless of whether they are distributed in the App Store or one of the alternative stores.

How will Apple review app security?

All iOS applications in Europe will be electronically signed by Apple. That is, in order to fulfill its function All applications must have this signature. It’s something they’ll only get after going through a previous review process and need to need every time the application is updated.

This analysis will be performed by combining algorithms and human review. At this stage we will analyze that the app does not contain malware or malicious codeIt was also stated that the application would not encourage physical risks. The notarization process is equivalent to the one that has been running on macOS for years and focuses primarily on security.

Apple explains that notarization will review all permissions requested by each application and whether they are justified. It will be analyzed whether the applications have a written privacy policy and whether health-related personal data is requested.

In this step The content of the application will not be analyzed. This means that Apple will allow apps for iOS that do not comply with App Store rules, such as pornographic, illegal substance or gambling apps.

Although Apple remembers that creating an iOS app requires developers They will still need to sign up for the Developer Program. Here they must share their name, phone number and address, sometimes including other tax identification information. Apple explains that in 2022, 105,000 accounts were preemptively blocked for suspected fraudulent activity, and a total of 400,000 accounts were blocked for fraud and violating terms.

Apps that pass the notarization process will receive their electronic signature and can be installed on iOS both in the App Store and in any accepted app store.

‘Sideloading’, but half of it

‘Sideloading’ on iOS does not work directly through files as it does on Android, but these apps can only be installed from alternative stores. no file or via browser.

When installing these apps outside the App Store, the user will see a specific screen with the name of the app, its developer, description of the app, screenshot, suggested age, and the identifier of the app store they belong to. It will appear as uploaded, it is being downloaded. A screen that cannot be changed as it will be installed during the notarization process.

after this Season is open for the arrival of third-party stores on iOS. One of the first to be announced is MacPaw’s Setapp, which is expected to be available from April.

Apple effects placing a greater burden of responsibility on developers for securitybecause it is aware that there can always be risks and that third-party stores must play an active role.

According to the company, approximately 185,000 applications that are found to not comply with standards are removed from the App Store every year. It’s a figure that shows that review processes are not perfect. This review will now be in the hands of third parties.

Sideloading will not be free. In parallel, Apple introduced a “Core Technology Commission” of €0.50 per account per installation per year, although there is an exemption for the first million installations. To obtain an app store, you will also need to agree to the ‘Addendum to Alternative Terms for Apps in the EU’, for which a letter of credit worth one million euros will be requested. It’s a barrier to entry and a commission that can become a huge economic burden for these developers. A new era is opening in iOS.

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