Apple's rules around downloading apps from outside of its App Store have been an issue for a long time. Earlier, it was reported that Apple even received a warning in this regard from the European Commission's tech chief Margrethe Vestager who accused the company of "using privacy and security concerns to fend off competition on its App Store". Now, the iPhone maker has come out with a report claiming that "sideloading", or distribution of apps through direct downloads or third-party app stores, increases the risks of cybercrime. In its report released on October 13, Apple claimed that sideloading would— Allow more harmful apps to reach users because it would be easier for cybercriminals to target them – even if sideloading were limited to third-party app stores Users would have less information about apps upfront and less control over apps after they download them onto their devices. Some sideloading initiatives would also mandate removing protections against third-party access to proprietary hardware elements and non-public operating system functions. This would undermine core components of platform security that protect the operating system and iPhone data and services from malware, intrusion, and even operational flaws that could affect the reliability of the device and stop it from working. This would make it easier for cybercriminals to spy on users’ devices and steal their data — Apple Although it is imperative to flag issues of competition especially when it comes to Big Tech, it is equally important to ensure that the proposed antitrust solutions don't lead to cybersecurity…
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Apple warns against sideloading apps once more, citing cybersecurity risks to iOS users
Apple cited Android as a cautionary tale of what could go wrong if users get to download apps from outside a primary app store.
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