The iPhone also comes with the feature of downloading apps from third party app stores. iPhone users currently have to rely on Apple’s App Store to download apps. Unlike Android, the iPhone does not have the facility to install apps through other means than the Google Play Store. But due to the new rules of the European Union, Apple has also accepted the third-party app store.
The EU recently passed a law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will recognize companies like Apple as ‘gatekeepers’ and give access to sideloading apps to prevent market monopolies. This means that users can directly download apps from open internet sources other than the Apple App Store.
The sideloading feature is already available on Android. But Apple has been rejecting sideloading, saying that it poses a security risk. It is estimated that Apple’s income will also be affected by such an arrangement.
Currently, there is a provision that the developer has to pay a fee and share the income to place the app on the App Store. Apple gives access to third-party app stores, so app developers don’t have to pay as much money to Apple.
Recently, there has been a legal debate in various countries regarding Apple’s App Store practices and iPhone users’ purchase and download of apps.