Sources say Apple's iPhone side-loaded applications will be "highly controlled" and related features are expected to be launched in the first half of next year.

CTOnews.com, November 14 (Xinhua)-- with increasing pressure on European regulations, Apple is expected to allow some developers to side-upload apps on iPhone in the first half of next year, according to foreign media wccftech, after Bloomberg Mark Mark Gurman claimed that Apple is expected to allow apps to be uploaded in early 2024.

Foreign media believe that Apple will introduce a "highly controlled side-loading system" for iOS, which will only allow developers to provide applications "to a limited extent" outside of App Store. Previously, the excavated code shows that Apple has introduced a common framework called "Managed App Distribution" after iOS 17.2, in which the associated API has basic controls for downloading, installing and even updating applications from external sources.

However, foreign media mentioned that Apple may also directly bring the side function in the official version of iOS 17.2 released next month, which will depend on the requirements of the European Union.

CTOnews.com noted that the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect on November 1, 2022, requires gatekeepers to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers. DMA will have a significant impact on Apple's platform, and may cause Apple to make major changes to App Store, messaging, FaceTime, Siri and so on.

Apple had previously claimed that the sidebar would "undermine the privacy and security on which iPhone users rely", leaving people vulnerable to malware, fraud, data tracking and other issues. But whatever Apple's position, the company must comply with the DMA or face a fine of up to 20 per cent of its global revenues if it violates EU law.