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iOS 17.2 beta reveals that Apple will allow iPhone to sideload apps

Bernoulli

M2 slut

iOS 17.2 seems ready to allow alternative app stores​

iOS 17.2 has a new public framework called “Managed App Distribution.” While our first thought was that this API would be related to MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps (which is already possible on iOS), it seems that Apple has been working on something more significant than that.

By analyzing the new API, we’ve learned that it has an extension endpoint declared in the system, which means that other apps can create extensions of this type. Digging even further, we found a new, unused entitlement that will give third-party apps permission to install other apps. In other words, this would allow developers to create their own app stores.

The API has basic controls for downloading, installing, and even updating apps from external sources. It can also check whether an app is compatible with a specific device or iOS version, which the App Store already does. Again, this could easily be used to modernize MDM solutions, but here’s another thing.

We also found references to a region lock in this API, which suggests that Apple could restrict it to specific countries. This wouldn’t make sense for MDM solutions, but it does make sense for enabling sideloading in particular countries only when required by authorities – such as in the European Union.

 
Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?
 

Celcius

°Temp. member
Does this mean anyone would be able to create an app for iPhone even if it’s not on the App Store?
 

theHFIC

Member
Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?
If it is anything like the current Jailbreak scene it's small utilities that unlock or add features to iOS that Apple wouldn't normally allow on the app store, emulators, and piracy through cracked iOS .ipa apps. I am guessing an increase in malicious apps that masquerade as something different once the sideloading becomes more acceptable.
 
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Bernoulli

M2 slut
Dumb question incoming. What is the point of sideloading apps? Would this be for personal or business-only use that you wouldn't want on an app-store for public consumption? Or apps that breaks the TOS of an app store?
like windows and MACos , the best apps that you download are sideloaded, no one goes to the Microsoft store or Mac store
 

srerwws

Neo Member

iOS 17.2 seems ready to allow alternative app stores​

iOS 17.2 has a new public framework called “Managed App Distribution.” While our first thought was that this API would be related to MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps (which is already possible on iOS), it seems that Apple has been working on something more significant than that.

By analyzing the new API, we’ve learned that it has an extension endpoint declared in the system, which means that other apps can create extensions of this type. Digging even further, we found a new, unused entitlement that will give third-party apps permission to install other apps. In other words, this would allow developers to create their own app stores.

The API has basic controls for downloading, installing, and even updating apps from external sources. It can also check whether an app is compatible with a specific device or iOS version, which the App Store already does. Again, this could easily be used to modernize MDM solutions, but here’s another thing.

We also found references to a region lock in this API, which suggests that Apple could restrict it to specific countries. This wouldn’t make sense for MDM solutions, but it does make sense for enabling sideloading in particular countries only when required by authorities – such as in the European Union.

aaad If I ever want to experiment with .NET MAUI or Xamarin, this is the direction I'm considering.

If I ever want to experiment with .NET MAUI or Xamarin, this is the direction I'm considering.
 
I would love to be able to load Kodi or something similar on my Ipad

Edit: Without having to jailbreak it
 
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