Sideloaded apps may soon become a reality for iOS users; however, Apple is reportedly looking to implement a new policy that includes fees for apps installed outside its App Store. According to The Wall Street Journal, with the impending Digital Markets Act in the European Union—a regulation aimed at breaking open tightly knit app ecosystems—Apple is being pushed to allow installation of apps from sources other than its own platform.
Although the terms of these fees are not fully disclosed, reports suggest that companies could be charged for apps installed using any method other than the App Store. This could potentially impact major service providers like Meta and Spotify, which are considering offering their apps for download directly from their websites or through in-app advertisements.
Furthermore, Apple is rumored to be setting up a process for reviewing third-party sideloaded apps. The specifics of how the tech giant will conduct such reviews remain unclear.
It’s important to highlight that these discussed measures could be limited to the European market, implying that iOS users in the United States and Asia might continue to rely exclusively on the App Store for legitimate app downloads—unless they resort to methods like jailbreaking.
The discussion around sideloaded apps, fees, and app reviews signifies a significant shift for Apple, which has traditionally maintained a closed ecosystem for its app distributions. The company’s response to EU regulations could therefore pave the way for broader changes in the way apps are accessed on iOS devices globally.
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