Apple has recently updated its support page to explain how long users who have sideloaded apps from alternative app stores can continue to do so when they leave the European Union. The company has specified that the grace period is exactly 30 days after which users will not be able to download new apps or receive updates from third-party app stores. Users can still use the apps they have already downloaded indefinitely, but they will not get any software updates after the 30-day period.
What is app sideloading and why is it allowed in the EU?
App sideloading is the process of installing apps from sources other than the official app store of the device. For example, Android users can sideload apps from websites, APK files, or alternative app stores like Amazon Appstore or F-Droid. iOS users, on the other hand, have been restricted to using only the Apple App Store, which is curated and controlled by Apple.
However, in December 2023, the European Commission adopted a new regulation that requires Apple to allow app sideloading on iOS devices in the EU. The regulation is part of the Digital Markets Act, which aims to promote fair and open competition in the digital sector. The regulation states that Apple must not prevent users from installing or updating apps from third-party app stores or sources, and must not discriminate against such apps in terms of functionality, performance, or security.
The regulation also applies to other gatekeepers of core platform services, such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft. The regulation is expected to come into force in June 2024, after a six-month transition period.
How does app sideloading work on iOS devices in the EU?
To enable app sideloading on iOS devices in the EU, users need to update their devices to iOS 17.4 or later, which was released in January 2024. The update adds a new option in the Settings app, under General > Device Management > App Sideloading. Users can toggle the option on or off, depending on their preference. When the option is on, users can download and install apps from alternative app stores or sources, such as websites, QR codes, or NFC tags. Users can also receive updates for these apps from the same sources.
However, app sideloading on iOS devices comes with some limitations and risks. Users need to be physically located in one of the 27 EU member states or their overseas territories to use the feature. Users also need to trust the developer or source of the app, as Apple does not review or verify the apps from third-party app stores. Users may expose their devices to malware, spyware, or other security threats by installing apps from untrusted sources. Users may also lose access to some features or services that are exclusive to the Apple App Store, such as iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Pay, or Apple Music.
What happens when users leave the EU with sideloaded apps?
Apple has clarified that users who have sideloaded apps from alternative app stores and leave the EU will have a grace period of 30 days to continue to download new apps or receive updates from those sources. After the 30-day period, users will not be able to access the app sideloading feature, and will only be able to download or update apps from the Apple App Store. Users can still use the apps they have already downloaded from third-party app stores, but they will not receive any software updates for those apps.
If users return to the EU after the 30-day grace period, they will be able to access the app sideloading feature again, and download or update apps from alternative app stores. However, they may need to reinstall some apps or accept new permissions or terms of service from the app developers or sources.
Apple has stated that the grace period is designed to give users enough time to adjust to the different app store policies in different regions, and to avoid disrupting their app usage or experience. Apple has also advised users to check the app store policies and regulations of the countries they are visiting, and to be careful about the apps they download or update from third-party app stores.
