Apple has explained why it does not allow app side-loading on iOS

Apple is known for maintaining a strict framework for distributing apps on iOS, applying particularly stringent and precise checks to apps available through the App Store. Tim Cook recently explained why the company does not allow sideloading of apps on devices running iOS, but the company has since provided further explanations.

The company's official statement sets out the reasons why users do not have the option to sideload apps on iOS devices. The current restrictions help protect the App Store from malicious actors who could cause harm during the app publishing process. This keeps the platform safe for both developers and users, with the company arguing that allowing apps to be sideloaded puts the security of the platform and its users at risk.

Specifically, Apple states:

Given the large size of the user base for the iPhone and the personal data stored on their phones  -photos, location data, health and financial information- allowing sideloading would trigger a wave of attacks on the platform. Malicious actors would seize the opportunity, devoting more resources to developing sophisticated attacks targeting iOS users, thus expanding the range of attacks – often referred to as the “threat model” - against which all users need to be protected. This increased risk of malware attacks puts all users at greater risk, even those who download apps only from the App Store.

The company also made sure to clarify that app stores run by other companies pose greater risks, given the possibility that malicious software may be present in their official stores. As a result, granting access to users, as well as to a wide range of app stores, would change the “threat model” mentioned above and create a broad range of potential attacks.

Apple's statement also includes the following:

By providing additional distribution channels, we change the threat model and broaden the range of potential attacks. Sideloading on iPhone would put all users at risk, even those who try to protect themselves by downloading apps only from the App Store. Allowing sideloading would be like inviting a wave of new attacks on iPhone, giving malicious actors an incentive to develop tools and expertise to attack the security of iPhone devices.

Having developed expertise in increasingly sophisticated attacks, malicious hackers would use it to target third-party stores as well as the App Store, putting all users at greater risk. In addition, even users who prefer to download apps only from the App Store could be forced to download an app they need for work or school from other third-party stores if it is not available on the App Store. Or they could be tricked into downloading apps from other app stores “disguised” as the App Store.

In closing, the company stressed that this approach safeguards the privacy and security measures of iOS, prioritising the complete protection of all its users' personal data. For all the latest news on new iOS versions and new Apple device releases, visit the TheFixers blog.