iOS 17.4 brings several new features to iPhone, such as Apple Music-like lyrics for Apple Podcasts, new emojis, widgets, better iMessage security protocols, and more. The most significant change, however, is Apple’s compliance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, allowing European users to download apps from third-party app stores.
This is the first time the Cupertino giant has allowed apps to be downloaded from sources other than the Apple App Store on iPhone. However, there are some points to consider before you start using these new features on your iPhone. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Alternative app stores will stop working outside the EU
(even if they are installed on your device)
For those who may not know, the ability to sideload apps on iPhones running iOS 17.4 is only available within the European Union. Although this feature is integrated into the system, Apple has not expanded its availability to other regions such as North America and Asia. However, it is particularly worth noting that third-party app stores will not work on your device if you are outside the EU for an extended period of time. To install apps from outside the App Store or download new App Markets, you must physically reside in the EU.
2. The application still needs to go through security check (notarization)
By allowing the installation of apps from sources other than the App Store, Apple cannot ensure the security and content of apps available through alternative app stores. To address this issue, Apple implemented a security measure called “Notarization” in iOS 17.4. This ensures that all apps, regardless of the platform they are distributed through (app store or alternative marketplace), undergo baseline security checks to detect and prevent malware, viruses, and other threats.
Apps from the App Store undergo rigorous manual review and security checks, while apps from third-party stores are notarized for security checks. Apple says that if an iOS app is found to contain known malware after installation, it will be blocked from launching and new installations will be revoked.
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3. There is a grace period before third-party apps stop receiving updates outside the EU
To download new apps and alternative markets, users need to be located in the European Union. But what about updating these apps outside the EU? It seems Apple has imposed restrictions in this area as well. If the user stays outside the EU for more than 30 days, third-party applications will stop receiving updates.
This means that if you leave the EU for more than a month, Apple will revoke update access, preventing you from updating existing apps. You must return to a supported EU region to update the app. While 30 days may seem more than enough, for those who spend most of their time outside the EU, this restriction may be frustrating.
4. Parents can block “unsafe” apps from non-App Store sources
Apple said it cannot monitor the content of apps distributed through other marketplaces, which may include objectionable material such as hate speech, illegal drugs or pornography. To solve this problem, the company offers a solution where parents can completely prevent family members from installing third-party app marketplaces.
This can be done with Screen Time Restrictions by going into Content & Privacy Restrictions → App Installations & Purchases and changing “App Market” to “Not Allowed”. Additionally, parents can choose to set an age rating for installing apps from third-party app stores, rather than blocking them entirely. These age restrictions will also apply to non-App Store markets.
5. Developers can offer direct app downloads from their website
While Apple only has a third-party app store in the EU, the company recently said it would allow developers to offer apps directly through its website. However, in order to qualify for this, developers must adhere to stricter requirements. These include being a member of the Apple Developer Program for two consecutive years, having at least one app installed 1 million times in the EU, and passing notarization inspections. The feature, which will be available via a software update later this year, marks the first time Apple will allow users to download apps directly from the website.