Apple released its latest iOS 17.2 beta update to the public this week, and reportedly buried in the code is evidence that sideloading apps, also known as downloading apps from third-party app stores, could soon be coming to the best iPhones.
That’s according to the eagle-eyed team at 9to5 Mac, who spotted a new public framework called “Managed App Distribution” in the iOS 17.2 beta code. Initially, the outlet posited that this API could be related to modernising MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps, but a few holes in that theory quickly became apparent. For one thing, iPhones already have this capability. The API also contains a reference to a region lock, a component that doesn’t really make sense for MDM solutions, but would be required to enable sideloading of apps in certain countries to comply with local regulations.
Digging a little deeper, the outlet learned that this API has basic controls for downloading, installing and updating apps from external sources, as well as an extension endpoint declared in the system, which allows other apps to create extensions of this type. There’s also a new, unused permission that can give third-party apps the permissions they need to install other apps on iPhones.
“In other words, this would allow developers to create their own app stores,” writes 9to5Mac.
Back in April, a Bloomberg report detailed Apple’s plans to lay the groundwork for sideloading apps with iOS 17, finally giving iPhone users access to a feature long found on the best Android phones. Historically, Apple has kept its iPhone ecosystem a walled garden, with users only able to download apps from the company’s official App Store. With sideloading enabled, iPhone users were able to download apps hosted outside the App Store for the first time, while also giving iOS developers a way to avoid Apple’s 15-30% cut of App Store purchases.
Of course, all of this comes on the back of new European Union regulations that are holding Apple’s feet to the fire to change its ways. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which comes into force in 2024, is a historic reboot of the EU’s digital rulebook, forcing big tech companies to open up their services and platforms to other developers and give users the choice to download apps from different sources.
This is probably why Apple chose to focus on hyping another feature added with the latest iOS 17 beta: spatial video recording, which allows you to capture video in 3D. Although you can enable the feature now and start recording, you won’t be able to watch these lifelike videos in all their glory until the Apple Vision Pro is released sometime next year.
