Apple is on the verge of releasing its most substantial mid-cycle iPhone update ever, set to roll out with significant enhancements for users globally, particularly in the European Union (EU). The imminent release of Apple iOS 17.4 promises groundbreaking changes, prompted by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. These changes mandate Apple to open up its iOS system, allowing the sideloading of apps from alternative marketplaces, supporting non-WebKit-based web browsers, and permitting additional payment mechanisms beyond Apple Pay.
In response to these regulatory requirements, Apple has outlined its approach in a 32-page white paper. While emphasizing its commitment to user privacy and security, Apple acknowledges that the new changes may impact the level of safety compared to the existing setup. The introduction of over 600 new APIs and developer tools facilitates options such as sideloading and alternative payment methods on the App Store.
Despite these adjustments, concerns have been raised by organizations like banks, expressing reservations about remaining exclusively on the App Store. Apple lacks the ability to distinguish whether an iPhone has downloaded apps from external marketplaces, leading to potential security vulnerabilities.
This white paper highlights a crucial point: “In practice, users in the EU will lose the choice to solely remain on the App Store and keep all of Apple’s industry-leading protections, even if that is what they would prefer.”
Users still have the option to exclusively use the App Store, Safari-based web browsers, and Apple Pay for payments. However, the shift towards external content raises concerns about Apple’s diminished control over app content, potentially allowing the availability of apps featuring restricted content on alternative marketplaces.
In response to Apple’s white paper, Spotify accused the tech giant of attempting to “scare everybody about privacy and security.” The imminent changes to the iPhone are expected to unfold in the coming days, with the true impact becoming apparent in the subsequent weeks.