iPhone app sideloading is coming soon, but it might not be the money-saving boost you’re hoping for

The digital wall around iPhones that prevents users from downloading non-App Store approved software to their mobile phones is about to crack in Europe. But according to a new report, Apple is already planning to plug the holes left by European Union (EU) laws, meaning sideloading may not be as free as we’d hoped.

First, let’s go back to April 2022, when the EU – a collection of 27 European countries, including France, Germany and Spain – agreed on the Digital Markets Act. It came into effect in November of that year and is intended to address issues surrounding Apple’s control over which apps can and cannot be downloaded to iPhones.

By March this year (2024), platforms will have to comply with EU requirements or face disciplinary action.

The law won’t just apply to Apple. Google (which makes Android) and other platforms will also have to adhere to the new rules, but unlike iPhones, Android phones can already install software that is not in the Play Store – the Android version of Apple’s App Store. By the way, this practice of downloading apps from sources other than the official app stores is called sideloading.

Apple has fiercely defended its anti-sideloading stance, saying it makes iPhones more secure and relatively virus-free. Critics – such as Spotify – will loudly call the system anti-competitive, because the App Store charges up to 30% commission on all purchases made through the App Store and gives Apple’s apps an unfair advantage.

According to a Wall Street Journal According to the report (behind a paywall), Apple’s current plans will still monitor apps downloaded outside the App Store. Moreover, it plans to collect fees for these apps as well. So there may not be much difference between App Store and non-App Store apps.

The details haven’t been announced yet, but most likely Apple will be able to maintain this level of control by adding new rules to the dev tool licensing agreement. You’ll need these tools to develop working apps for iPhones, whether you publish them through the App Store or not. By amending the license agreement to include the controls and restrictions it normally imposes on the App Store, Apple could comply with the new laws without changing the situation too much.

As with all leaks, we should take this report with a grain of salt. We don’t yet know exactly what approach Apple will take, or even whether the EU will consider this leaked approach compliant, but recent history suggests that Apple will do the bare minimum.

Earlier this year, Apple was forced to allow developers to redirect app users to non-Apple payment systems – the system that currently takes 30% of most third-party payments (small businesses pay a commission of 15 %). The kicker? Apple will charge a 27% commission on payments made through an alternative system. Given the hassle and minimal incentive, many developers have complained that this won’t change anything.

Not European? You might still care

If you’re in the US or a post-Brexit UK, you’re probably wondering what all this legal hassle in the EU has to do with you.

Firstly, it wouldn’t be the first time that EU action has affected the iPhone for all. The iPhone 15 models only made the switch to the USB-C port when they did, due to EU legislation and discussions in European countries about technical repairability, causing Apple to preemptively launch Self Service Repair everywhere.

Even if Apple decides to roll out these App Store changes digitally to the EU only, it’s likely that other countries like the US and UK will consider following suit. And if you have one of the best VPN services installed, there’s a chance you can trick Apple into thinking you’re in the EU and force Apple to give you access to software that doesn’t come from the App Store.

So keep your eyes peeled for changes in the way you can use your iPhone in March, but don’t hold your breath because they’re too substantial.

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