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| Apple warns of the dangers of installing unapproved apps |
Apple argues that it allows iPhone users to install software outside of their App Store, opening the door to ransomware, pirated software, and apps that steal user data.
The warning comes as lawmakers debate a series of antitrust laws designed to limit the power of big tech companies.
Both projects are designed to prevent owners of tech platforms from prioritizing their own services and could be interpreted as forcing Apple to allow apps to be downloaded outside of its App Store.
In a 16-page article posted on its website, Apple said that allowing sideloading would encourage hackers and scammers to attack iPhone users by helping them make victims of downloading apps off the phone.
Apple also warned that allowing children to sideload could be at risk. It does this by allowing apps to bypass parental controls or collect sensitive user data.
"Given the large iPhone user base and sensitive data stored on mobile phones, allowing sideloading will encourage attacks on the platform," Apple said.
Apple warns of untrustworthy apps:
Apple currently prohibits sideloading on iPhone. Therefore, the only way for consumers to install apps on iPhone is through Apple App Store.
Currently, suspicious requests must undergo a vetting process designed to deny fraud.
Apple cited these apps on Android, a competing smartphone operating system loosely developed and monitored by Google. But it allows companies to modify it more freely and use only certain parts.
Android devices can download software from a variety of sources, not just the Google Play Store.
Apple said Android apps can lock data, forcing users to pay for data recovery.
It cites a sideloading Android app available as the official coronavirus app from Health Canada. But it encrypts the user's data, and the user has to send an email to the attacker to decrypt it.
Additionally, Apple laptops and desktops allow sideloading. However, the company argued that the more iPhones it had, the more important it was to protect its App Store and justify its control over iPhone software.