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Apple recently made an important announcement that fundamentally changes the way iOS devices in the European Union can install apps. With the launch of iOS 17.4, Apple is enabling what is known as sideloading, but only in the EU and subject to certain conditions. This article will explain in detail how Apple checks whether your iPhone or iPad is suitable for sideloading and what steps need to be taken to be able to use this innovation.
With the release of iOS 17.4, Apple has responded to the new antitrust provisions of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that allow sideloading for users in the European Union. This is undoubtedly a big change in how the iOS operating system works and raises many questions. In this article, we will take a closer look at how Apple ensures that only eligible devices can use sideloading.
iOS 17.4 brings sideloading to iPhone and iPad
One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 17.4 is the introduction of sideloading, but not in the traditional form. Apple will allow alternative app stores on iOS, called "App Marketplaces," and only these will be allowed to distribute apps outside of the official App Store. These app marketplaces must adhere to strict rules, including providing financial collateral of at least one million euros to ensure support for developers and customers. There are also other exclusive features for users in the EU, such as the use of NFC for payments without Apple Pay and new APIs for developing web browsers with alternative engines to Apple's WebKit. But how exactly does Apple ensure that these features are only available in the EU?
iOS checks several pieces of information before enabling sideloading
Apple has developed an internal system called "countryd" to determine a user's region since iOS 16.2. To determine whether a device is eligible for sideloading and App Marketplaces, iOS checks a variety of information, including the Apple ID billing address, the user's current location (only the country, not the exact location for privacy reasons), the region set in iOS settings, and the device class (iPhone, iPad, etc.). Interestingly, the system also checks whether the device is from China to restrict sideloading. The list of countries where sideloading is enabled is obtained from an Apple server, meaning Apple can update it at any time. This makes it difficult for users outside of these regions to enable sideloading, as they not only have to change their Apple ID region but also bypass the iPhone's location system.
The App Marketplaces feature is based on the MDM API
Additionally, Apple uses the new Managed App Distribution API as the backend for app marketplaces. This API allows for controlling the download, installation, and update of apps from external sources. It can also check whether an app is compatible with a specific device or iOS version. iOS 17.4 Beta adds a "MarketplaceKitBridge" component to integrate both APIs and facilitate downloading apps from outside the App Store.
Conclusion
With iOS 17.4, Apple has made significant changes to the way apps can be installed on iOS devices in the European Union. By introducing sideloading and app marketplaces, the company is responding to the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Region verification and compliance with strict rules ensure that these features can only be used by authorized users. The Publication of iOS 17.4 in March will undoubtedly impact the app landscape in the EU and fundamentally change the way apps are distributed. (Photo by Brandon Romanchuk / Bigstockphoto)
