Over the past few months, Apple has been diligently working on adhering to the Digital Market Act (DMA) in the European Union (EU). This involved testing changes with developers through the iOS 17.4 beta update, which was released last month. Just recently, Apple made the highly anticipated iOS 17.4 update available to the public.
The latest update, iOS 17.4, brings a multitude of exciting features and alterations, particularly for individuals residing in EU nations. A major modification in this update is the ability to authorize alternative app marketplaces on iPhone.
Understanding App Sideloading
Sideloading apps is the term used for installing apps from sources other than the App Store, such as IPA files or alternative app marketplaces.
Despite the perceived simplicity, iOS apps undergo multiple checks, including evaluations of the app’s basic information and security measures.
Is sideloading apps still possible on iOS 17.4?
At the moment, you are able to sideload apps on your iPhone. However, there is currently no alternative app marketplace where you can obtain third-party apps. According to a report by TechCrunch, a subscription-based app marketplace called Setapp will be released next month by MacPaw in compliance with Apple’s contentious DMA rules.
As iMore reported, there will be a new app called Mobivention that is set to launch on March 7. This app will offer business-focused applications that are not currently available on the App Store. Therefore, we will have to wait a few more weeks before third-party app stores are accessible on iPhones.
In addition to alternative app stores, you have the option to use the conventional sideloading technique, which will necessitate a laptop, Apple ID, an IPA file, iTunes and iCloud, and a lightning cable.
AltStore has announced that it is developing an app marketplace specifically for European countries and plans to launch it in March, according to a statement from the company on Twitter.
List of Countries where Alternative App Marketplaces are Available for iPhone Users
The complete list of 27 European countries can access the restricted sideloading feature of the new app.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Regardless of your residence in a European country, your iPhone or iPad may not necessarily be eligible for the new app sideloading feature. According to 9to5Mac, several criteria, such as your Apple ID’s billing address, current device location, region settings, and device class, will be evaluated before the feature is enabled on your device.
Is it possible to install apps on my iPhone using a VPN?
No, you will not be able to sideload apps using a VPN, as confirmed by ZDNET and Apple. As previously mentioned, your device will undergo various checks before the new sideloading feature can be enabled. Additionally, changing the geo-location on your iPhone is not a simple task.
What is the process for sideloading apps on an iPhone?
Typically, Apple offers detailed guidance on its support page for new features, except for the app sideloading feature. It is anticipated that the company will release a guide once an alternative app marketplace is accessible.
We will provide a comprehensive tutorial on utilizing the new app sideloading feature when a reliable alternate app marketplace becomes accessible, so please stay connected with us.
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