iOS 17.4—What To Know About Apple’s Biggest Ever iPhone Update
Apple's iOS 17.4 update is one of the biggest upgrades for iPhone users, bringing changes to comply with EU regulation and introducing sideloading capabilities. This article discusses the implications of iOS sideloading, the potential for it to expand beyond the EU, and the reactions from Apple's rivals.
iOS Sideloading and EU Regulation
Apple's iOS 17.4 update, launching before March 6, is one of the company's largest upgrades for iOS. It is significant because it introduces iOS sideloading, allowing users to download apps from alternative marketplaces. This change is a response to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). EU users will now have the ability to explore different app options, but it also means their iPhones may be less secure.
For over 15 years, Apple has maintained a strict 'walled garden' approach, controlling both hardware and software to prioritize security and privacy. However, with the introduction of iOS sideloading in iOS 17.4, Apple is being forced to loosen its control over app sources. While they are implementing safeguards, the new change poses potential risks to security.
Implications for the Rest of the World
Although the initial introduction of iOS sideloading is targeted at the EU, it raises the question of its expansion beyond the region. The UK is already considering similar legislation that could have a similar impact on Apple. Currently, sideloading is only possible by jailbreaking iPhones, a practice discouraged unless done with caution. However, iOS 17.4 unintentionally creates the groundwork for a new app ecosystem that could be applied globally.
Apple insists that sideloading in iOS 17.4 will only be allowed through pre-approved app marketplaces, aiming to maintain security. However, this change could potentially pave the way for a future where sideloading is permitted worldwide. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that Apple's European changes offer a glimpse into the platform's future, one that may inevitably be adopted globally by the company.
Reactions from Apple's Rivals
Apple's rivals have differing viewpoints regarding the iOS 17.4 changes, particularly regarding sideloading. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who competes directly with Apple, expressed concerns and called the changes in the App Store 'onerous,' suggesting that developers may choose to avoid the new app stores. However, it is important to consider the context of this rivalry.
While the final outcome of the iOS 17.4 changes remains uncertain, they are significant because they challenge Apple's 'walled garden' approach. The introduction of sideloading capabilities could put pressure on Apple to reconsider its strategies and potentially revolutionize app markets globally.
