Apple Will Allow Sideloading Apps To Users In The EU, But On Its Terms

By Shikhar Mehrotra • Updated On Jan 25, 2024

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Apple has controlled the app distribution via its App Store for years. While the company has a comprehensive review process for submitting apps, it also charges a significant commission on purchases made by its online app store. To break this, the European Union devised the Digital Markets Act.

Apple Plans To Charge Fees From Sideloaded Apps

Per a Digital Markets Act directive, the Cupertino-based tech giant Apple will soon announce changes to enable sideloading of apps. In other words, iPhone users in the European Union should soon be able to download apps from outside the App Store. However, reports suggest that Apple won’t go down easy.

Per the Wall Street Journal, Apple will allow users to download apps from outside the App Store for the first time. However, the company plans to charge fees and conduct app reviews for the sideloaded apps. It isn’t clear whether the fees will be based on the app’s revenue or a one-time fee.

Will Apple Also Review The Apps Downloaded On iPhones?

Another unclear aspect is how Apple plans to review apps that aren’t available via the App Store. The app fees and the review process put Apple back in the position it was earlier – where the European Union doesn’t want it – to decide which apps should or should not be used on the iPhones and take commission from the ones that qualify.

Some Companies Are Gearing Up To Distribute Their Apps Via Other Sources

On the other side, companies like Meta Platforms and Spotify are preparing to provide their apps outside the App Store. The former is creating a system that enables users to install apps directly from Facebook ads, whereas the latter will allow new users to download the app from its website. Further, the Windows maker Microsoft could create its app store for smartphones.

The concerned changes in the App Store policy must float by March 2024. However, speculations suggest that Apple could introduce them with iOS 17.4, which happens to be the next stable iOS public release.

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Shikhar Mehrotra

Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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