Last updated December 16, 2022
In AI Origins & Evolution

Apple is Opening Up its Ecosystem. Will Users’ Privacy be Affected?

EU regulations require Apple to allow sideloading, but security concerns arise

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Published on December 14, 2022

by Anirudh VK

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Apple has been the poster child for closed ecosystems in the tech world. From its hardware to its software to its user experience philosophy, Apple has always pushed for a walled-garden approach when it comes to its products and services. However, the European Union is armed with a bulldozer, and the tech giant is right in its way.

According to sources, Apple will now allow third-party app stores and sideloading on iPhones and iPads. This comes in response to the European Union’s increased scrutiny of Apple’s approach of imposing up to 30% commission on all payments made through the App Store. This has long been a bone of contention for app developers and regulators alike, with many parties filing high-profile lawsuits against Apple and Google for taking a huge cut of their profits.

Apple has been on EU regulators’ radar for a while now. It has passed regulations such as the law to add a USB-C port as a standard on iPhones to reduce e-waste. Alongside this, Apple has also launched a DIY repair service in Europe to align with its right-to-repair regulations.

Sideloading has been a mainstay on Android ever since it was launched, but even Google has banned third-party app stores on its platform. Will this move further degrade Apple’s security stance, or will it open up the ecosystem to more developers?

Democratising Device Access

App sideloading refers to the process of installing an application from a source other than a platform’s designated application market. In Android, this is done using the apk format, which any user can install after changing a setting. On Apple devices, the method to sideload applications is more complex and can even end up in a non-functional device.

For years, enthusiasts have been bypassing Apple’s stringent limitations through a process known as jailbreaking. Jailbreaking has been a part of the Apple developer ecosystem ever since the launch of the first iPhone, but comes with its own set of risks. Making a mistake during the process can permanently disable the device, turning it into nothing more than a fancy paperweight.

Even though it seems like blocking, sideloading is a measure to hamper usability of a device, there are legitimate security concerns associated with allowing it. However, users are clearly informed of the potential threats they open themselves to when installing such applications. Allowing sideloading is just another way to let users utilize the device the way they want to.

Apple Obeying The Rules?

These moves come in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which will be passed into law in a few months’ time. Designating big tech companies like Apple and Google as ‘gatekeepers’, the regulation aims to level the playing field between big tech and small developers.

Under the Act, tech companies have been asked to open up possibilities for smaller app developers and cut down on rule-making for publishing on their respective app stores. They will also be required to open up APIs, hardware features, and bundled functionalities to third-party applications. Companies have until 2024 to comply with the rules specified in the regulation.

For Apple, this means that many features that were previously restricted to Apple applications must open up for third-party developers. For example, third-party payment service providers can access the built-in NFC chip used for Apple Pay, or capitalize on the Find My Network to make it work with other accessories.

When considering the anti-big tech attitude being taken by EU regulators, Apple must continue to comply with their rules, lest it loses one of its biggest markets. Europe represents Apple’s second-biggest market after the Americas, generating about $95 billion in sales during the last fiscal year.

What This Means For Users

Even as regulators seek to level the playing field when it comes to sideloading applications, certain security measures have to be undertaken keeping the users in mind. Sideloaded apps have already proven to be a big security concern for users, as these are not vetted and signed by OS providers to ensure they are not published with malicious intent.

These apps can come bundled with trackers, keyloggers, and adware, opening up possible attack vectors for hackers to take advantage of. Android has been a prime example of these malicious apps, with Apple users being protected from this by default due to the company’s policy of blocking sideloading.

For a majority of Apple users, this security is not likely to be affected by the regulation. First, the change to allow sideloading will likely be implemented for European users, which blocks off a majority of Apple’s users from security concerns. Second, Apple is also discussing the idea of putting certain security requirements in place that even sideloaded apps have to obey. While it seems like a roundabout way to verify applications, this will allow app developers to bypass the 30% revenue cut taken by the App Store.

The update is likely to be launched alongside iOS 17, which will also comply with other requirements under EU regulation. This means that users will have a lot of time to be updated on the possible security risks that come with sideloading, which Apple will, hopefully, convey in an easy-to-understand format.

Apple has always placed a strong emphasis on user privacy, and it has made significant efforts to protect the privacy of its users. In recent years, the company has announced several initiatives to open up its ecosystem, including introducing new APIs and tools that allow developers to build more robust and feature-rich apps. However, these initiatives do not compromise the privacy of Apple users in any way.

Apple’s commitment to privacy is reflected in the design of its products and services, as well as in its corporate policies and practices. The company has implemented strong privacy controls and has prioritized ensuring that its users’ personal information is kept secure and private. Apple also provides transparency and control to its users through its privacy policies and settings, allowing users to make informed decisions about their data and how it is used.

In summary, while Apple is making efforts to open its ecosystem and provide more opportunities for developers, the privacy of its users will remain a top priority. It will not be compromised in any way. Being an avid Apple Fan, I am not afraid or concerned about security as I can see the level of protection I have on my data and usage.