Oliver Haslam on January 16, 2024, 5:03 pm

Apple Readies iPhone EU App Sideloading As App Store Split Looms

Apple continues to get ready to change the way that installing apps on the iPhone works forever, and it’ll do it by allowing sideloading to take place for the first time.

The move will only happen in countries that are members of the European Union however, and that will reportedly see Apple split the App Store in two.

That move will ensure that those who live in countries outside of the EU will continue to use the App Store as normal, but a different version will be offered in EU member countries. There, Apple will be forced to comply with a Digital Markets Act law that requires it to allow sideloading starting March 7.

Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, writing in the weekly Power On newsletter, says that Apple is getting ready to roll out changes to the App Store to allow that to happen. It isn’t yet clear what that will look like, but Apple will no doubt roll out a new iOS software update to facilitate the change.

Alongside sideloading Apple will also be required to allow App Store developers to use third-party payment systems and promote offers outside of the App Store, too.

While these changes do only apply in the EU, many other countries are looking at enacting similar competition rules to force Apple to open the iPhone to allow sideloading there, too. All eyes will be the EU to see how things shake out over the next few months.