Apple has rolled out its latest iOS 17.2 beta update to the public, and hidden within the code is a potential game-changer for iPhone users—sideloading apps. The discovery was made by the keen-eyed team at 9to5 Mac, who identified a new public framework called “Managed App Distribution” in the beta code.
Initially thought to be related to modernizing MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps, further examination revealed inconsistencies with that theory. The API includes a reference to a region lock, suggesting a connection to sideloading apps in specific countries based on local regulations, rather than being a feature for MDM solutions.
Upon deeper investigation, 9to5Mac uncovered that this API provides basic controls for downloading, installing, and updating apps from external sources. It also includes an extension endpoint that allows other apps to create extensions of this type.
The discovery of a new, unused entitlement capable of giving third-party apps permissions to install other apps on iPhones led 9to5Mac to suggest that developers could potentially create their own app stores.
This development aligns with earlier reports from April, where Bloomberg detailed Apple’s plans to lay the groundwork for sideloading apps with iOS 17. This move would mark a departure from Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem, allowing iPhone users to download apps from sources outside the official App Store. Such a change could also provide a way for iOS developers to bypass Apple’s 15-30% cut of App Store purchases.
The backdrop to this potential shift is the new European Union regulations, specifically the Digital Markets Act coming into effect in 2024. These regulations push big tech companies, including Apple, to open up their services and platforms to other developers and offer users the choice to download apps from different sources.
Interestingly, Apple chose to highlight a different feature in the latest iOS 17 beta release—spatial video recording for 3D videos. While users can enable this feature now, the full experience awaits the release of the Apple Vision Pro expected next year.
