Apple May Allow Sideloading Apps on iPhones with iOS 17, Report Suggests

Apple is overhauling its software for sideloading, and an announcement regarding this may be made at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) scheduled in June..

By Elizabeth Kartini

Published on April 17, 2023

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Apple's closed iPhone app distribution system may soon see some changes as the tech giant is reportedly working on building the groundwork to allow users to sideload apps on their devices. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is overhauling its software for sideloading, and an announcement regarding this may be made at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) scheduled in June.

Although it's unclear if the changes will be included in the iOS 17 release or if they are just part of a plan for future implementation, the move towards sideloading is speculated to be related to the Digital Market Act (DMA) of the European Union (EU) that will take effect in 2024. The DMA mandates that big tech companies allow alternative app stores on their platforms, giving developers and users more choices.

Apple has so far kept its iPhone app distribution system closed, with users only able to download apps from the App Store. The company has not yet commented on the reported changes to the system.