With the installation of iOS 17.4, iPhones in the EU are automatically ready for sideloading: users have the option of downloading and importing app marketplaces directly from a website. Apple has integrated a new warning into the operating system that provides further information about the marketplace and providers before installing such an app store. Users also have the option, newly introduced in iOS 17.4, to generally block such installations from other app stores.
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Tutorial: Disable sideloading in iOS 17.4
The function is part of parental controls that adults can activate not only on children's devices, but also on their own iPhone. This can be found under “Settings > Screen Time > Restrictions > App Installs & Purchases”. To open the setting, the restrictions must be activated. Then you can change “App Marketplaces” from “Allow” to “Don’t Allow” under App Installations & Purchases at the top.
This not only blocks the installation of other app stores, but is also apparently intended to prevent additional apps from being downloaded from app marketplaces that may already be installed. There are currently no alternative app marketplaces available for iOS.
Apple provides the MDM profile for companies allowMarketplaceAppInstallation
ready to open the blockade false
must be set. The new setting can only be found in iOS on the iPhone and not in iPadOS – Apple does not currently have to open the iPad to other app marketplaces.
Apple continues to review all iPhone apps
There is no completely free sideloading with iOS 17.4 either: All apps continue to be checked by Apple with regard to, among other things, malware, security, data protection, API use or attempted fraud, as the iPhone manufacturer emphasizes. App marketplaces require special Apple permission for iOS to even allow installation.
Apple no longer wants to intervene in the content of apps in alternative app marketplaces, so pornographic apps are conceivable there. However, iOS parental controls still work and apps can set age restrictions. Apps that offer content not approved by Apple in the App Store are classified as “Unrated”. Their installation can also be blocked if parents specify a specific age restriction such as “9+”. The option can be found in Settings > Screen Time > Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Apps.
Certain family sharing functions that are linked to Apple's purchase interface do not work in other app marketplaces: This includes “purchase approval”: If it is activated, children must first have a parent or guardian approve each download of an app – this only works in the app Store.
(lbe)