Apple will reportedly allow sideloading, third-party app stores on iOS: But what does the Internet think about the move

Apple is reportedly planning on letting users sideload apps through third-party app stores and websites on their iPhones and iPads in the European Union. The move could take place as soon as late next year, according to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman. However, the move has left the community divided.

Android smartphone users have been able to sideload apps through website and third-party app stores for years now. And while the move might be a step in the right direction, users on Twitter are sceptical, citing that Apple could make the process of sideloading apps extremely complex to deter users from doing so. Gurman also highlighted benefits of the move.

Changes would also come to NFC chip and camera access, Find My network for rivals to the AirTag, web browsing engines and other areas of Apple’s software. The company still plans to charge developers for access to iOS even with side loading.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 13, 2022

Additionally, users have also cited that Apple could take advantage of the fact that developers will still have to abide by iOS’ rules. Users have also cited that iPhone customers must have the choice to downloading apps through the Apple App Store, third-party apps, and sideloading through websites.

But not everyone’s a fan of the move as some developers have criticised the EU, suggesting that the move could weaken some of iOS’ security measures. Some users have also cited that the positive reaction to the news comes primarily from Android users.

It is worth noting that Apple are yet to confirm third-party app support or being able to sideload them directly from website on iPhones and iPads, but this is not the first time Apple is being forced into making a major change to its practises by the EU. Apple recently confirmed that it would comply with the European Union's (EU) common charger directive and will adopt the USB Type-C charging standard for its devices.