Apple implements the downloading of apps through third-party stores in the European Union

Manzana has implemented the downloading of applications through third-party application stores in its latest iOS 17.4 update, however it has warned about the possible risks of installing ‘software’ from “unknown developers”, and has clarified that it can disable this option in case of users leaving the European Union for an extended period of time.

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The technology company officially launched iOS 17.4 this Wednesday, with which it has introduced new options in the operating system in order to comply with the rules of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will be mandatory starting this week, and which seeks to guarantee fair competition in the digital sector.

In this framework, as the technology company led by Tim Cook already reported in January of this year, options such as downloading applications through third-party stores and even installing these stores on the device have been enabled.

Alternative application stores are platforms that allow you to install other ‘apps’, in this case, on an iOS device, without resorting to the App Store. Thus, users can download the ‘apps’ directly from the developer’s website or from an alternative store other than the Apple store.

Although it is a requirement contemplated in the DMA and that the technology company has already implemented it, Apple has highlighted some issues to take into account when using these third-party application stores.

Lack of security

As detailed in a statement on its website, if not managed properly, third-party application stores pose “greater privacy and security risks” for both users and developers.

This is because it is allowed to install ‘software’ from “unknown developers” that are not subject to the requirement of the Apple Developer Program and, therefore, do not guarantee security controls, or content and moderation standards. This facilitates the installation of malware, the distribution of pirated software, exposure to illicit and harmful content and greater dangers of scams, fraud or abuse.

In this sense, in order to try to keep devices protected, Apple has detailed that third-party application stores must undergo a notarial certification process to ensure that they comply with “basic platform integrity standards.”

This notarization is a review that Apple carries out with all applications, regardless of their distribution channel. Specifically, it includes reviews of security and privacy policies, as well as maintaining device integrity.

Reviews are performed using automated checks and a team of people, and are intended to ensure that applications do not include malware and other threats, that they include the promised features and that they do not expose users to fraud.

With this, Apple will share the information about the notarization process with users through the application installation sheets, which will appear before users download them. However, it has also pointed out that it is up to each third-party app store to review the applications they offer to users “in accordance with their own processes and policies.”

Possible malfunctions

Apple has recalled that iPhone, iOS and the App Store are part of an integrated system designed to protect user security and privacy, as well as offer a simple and intuitive user experience.

However, regarding applications downloaded from third-party stores, the technology company does not ensure that they work as expected, as they may present errors, payment or content problems. In this sense, Apple has stressed that it does not manage alternative application stores, nor does it provide assistance to users affected by possible problems with applications downloaded outside the App Store.

Therefore, in case users need help, they should contact the alternative app store developer or the app developer directly. In this way, the problem in question will be subject to the policies established in each store related to content selection, support and refunds. It must be taken into account that these policies do not have to be the same as those established by Apple.

Likewise, the technology company has also developed that tools such as the option to share purchases with users who participate in Family Sharing or in-app purchase restrictions with Screen Time are not compatible with third-party application stores, since the App Store and its private system “do not facilitate purchases in alternative app markets.”

Availability in the European Union

In addition to all this, since the use of third-party app stores is a specific option for users in the European Union under the DMA, Apple has indicated that it may disable this feature in the event that users leave this territory for a long time.

That is, it is an option that will only be enabled if the Apple ID is configured in one of the countries or regions of the European Union. Therefore, to use it, users must be physically located in the EU.

Therefore, if it is decided to leave the EU for a long period of time, Apple has warned that access to third-party application stores may be lost. So although the applications that had been installed from this alternative platform will continue to work, they will not be able to be updated.

Source: Elcomercio

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