Apple Inc. has released a research report covering some of the main reasons why the company prohibits its users from sideloading apps on iOS. It mentioned several dangers of the said distribution method.
What is Sideloading?
Sideloading is the act of installing or downloading apps that come outside of the Apple App Store. It goes through various unmonitored mechanisms, such as enterprise certification.
Apple is known for immensely condoning the act of sideloading. It is exclusively prohibited on iPads and iPhones.
Apple's Take on Sideloading
On Wednesday, June 22, Apple released the new research called, "Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps."
It covers extensive details regarding the issues with sideloading. For example, the Cupertino-based tech giant noted that sideloaded applications could bypass several built-in control mechanisms on the iOs.
Apple provided an example wherein a gaming app could bypass the "Ask to Buy" parental control for various in-game purchases.
In another example, the tech giant mentioned that a malicious app, like a copycat application that functions to threaten the user, would delete all of the photos in the device unless the victim pays a certain amount of ransom money.
The white paper also included other detailed examples that users may face if they download apps outside the app store.
It included apps that infringe the user's data and apps that funnel extensive amounts of money to scammers.
Sideloading has been labeled as a probable solution to antitrust concerns floating around the App Store.
For example, Epic Games' lawyers claim that sideloading and using alternative app stores could spike a competition on iOS. They added that European Union's proposed rules might also force Apple to permit sideloading.
However, Apple stands firm on its belief that sideloading is a dangerous practice that could gravely affect users' privacy and security.
How is Apple Handling the Issue?
Apple Insider reported that according to Apple, the company takes a multi-pronged approach laced with numerous layers of protection. The company's hard work aims to protect all iOS users from multiple malicious applications and give their consumers the world's best security.
The tech giant also emphasized the difference between privacy and security protections between macOS and iOS.
Apple mentioned in the research that iOS has some unique security challenges because most users frequently enjoy downloading new apps on their devices. On top of that, iOS devices are required to be safe enough so that children may use them without any supervision.
The research dived deeper in detail behind Apple's reason behind the dangers of sideloading.
iPhones As Easy Targets
Apple stated that most attackers typically target iPhones because of the extensive number of iPhone devices in the wild.
The tech giant also mentioned that it is working hard to provide the same security that MacOS has into the iPhones.
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Written by Fran Sanders
