Apple unexpectedly skips sideloading on first iOS 17 developer release

With no sign of sideloading on iOS 17, Apple keeps the App Store as the only source of apps for iPhones and iPads.

The iOS 17 update was unveiled on June 5. (Image credit: Apple)

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Before iOS 17 landed, there were rumours about the update including changes in compliance with the new European Union regulations that are to take effect in 2024. One of these is sideloading, which will enable users to install apps from sources other than the App Store, such as websites or alternative app stores. However, as it turns out, Apple has not officially confirmed this feature or announced it at WWDC 2023.

According to reports, the iOS 17 update continues to limit software distribution through the App Store alone. There’s no scope for third-party apps from companies like Epic Games or Meta or for downloading apps directly from the web as users can on macOS.

Apple insider Mark Gurman had back in December reported that Apple was planning to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads as part of an “overhaul aimed at complying with strict European Union requirements coming in 2024.” He added that these changes could go through as early as with the release of iOS 17.

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Also read | iOS 17 compatible devices: All the iPhones that support Apple’s new mobile OS

In April, Gurman followed up with another report stating that Apple is working to “overhaul” its software to open up the iPhone to sideloading.

However, at the WWDC event, Apple made absolutely no mention of opening up iOS 17 to third-party app stores and neither have developers spotted anything as of yet pointing toward such a change. It could be possible that Apple may include sideloading with a future iOS 17 build, but for now, there’s no indication.

That said, iOS 17 did include several new features like contact poster, standby mode, and video voice mails. The update also improves Siri, AirDrop and Messages. iOS 17 developers beta is available already and the public beta will go live this fall.

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