Apple is on the verge of allowing app sideloading from non-Apple sources in its European App Store, a move that will be limited to the EU for now and will serve as an experimental test of “openness.”
This new customer experience will be closely monitored by Apple, its competitors, and regulators, and the results will likely influence regulations outside of Europe.
The potential for app sideloading to bring about a new era of user choice and prosperity is being weighed against concerns about weakened platform security and increased exposure to malware and fraudulent apps.
The impact of this experiment on app developers, customers, and platform security remains to be seen, and the results will be closely watched by the industry and regulators worldwide.
If the experiment goes well, it could lead to similar changes in other markets, but if not, it may prompt a more nuanced approach to app store openness.
European users are essentially serving as test subjects for this new approach, and they may face challenges in seeking support and refunds for apps obtained from external sources.
Many customers may choose to stick with Apple’s App Store due to the perceived benefits of its “Walled Garden,” while some app developers may attempt to persuade users to migrate to their own outlets.
Overall, the impact of this experiment on the app market and user behavior remains uncertain, and its outcome will have far-reaching implications for the industry.
2024-01-20 23:41:02
Article from www.computerworld.com