As the EU’s Digital Market Act ruling on app sideloading draws closer, the Apple iOS 17.4 update might arrive earlier. The deadline to align with this ruling is March 6 and Apple might comply with this ruling with the coming update. A few days ago, Apple released the iOS 17.3 update for users globally, and it doesn’t bring the ability to side-load apps.
For this reason, some sources familiar with this matter suggest that Apple will comply with this ruling with the next major iOS update. Beta testers are already expecting to receive the iOS 17.4 beta update this week. With this beta update, testers might get the ability to sideload apps onto their Apple iPhone devices.
However, if these testers fail to get this feature with the first beta update, they will keep on the lookout for future iOS 17.4 beta updates. Once all beta testing versions are out, Apple will then proceed to release the iOS 17.4 stable version for users globally. This release will alter a very essential aspect of Apple’s DNA, which is limiting access to apps in the App Store.
However, some argue that this change might not affect users in the global audience. Since the directive allowed app side loading from the EU, Apple might limit the access to side loading to Apple devices within the EU and its member states. At this time, there is no information on how Apple might set limits to side-loading.
Apple is not in support of this move that it is forced to comply with, so it might take measures to comply under certain terms. These terms might aim to keep Apple users safe from the ‘dangers’ of side-loading apps. The coming Apple iOS 17.4 update will pave the way for the tech giant’s compliance with the EU’s directives on app-side loading.