Apple released a report “The reason why you can’t download apps other than the App Store”

Apple released a report on June 23 (local time) stating that installing apps from outside the Apple Store is dangerous for users. In response, several media reported that the investigation into antitrust law violations was in mind.

On June 23, Apple released a Consumer Report outlining the findings of a study on the sideloading risks of downloading apps from outside the App Store. Among them, sideloading claims that malicious ransomware can take user data hostage and demand ransom, or that children evade parental control or risk being taken over by illegal content without their knowledge.

According to Apple statistics, an average of 100,000 new apps or updates are reviewed on the App Store every week, and through these efforts, more than 150,000 cases including spam, more than 215,000 violations of privacy guidelines, and 40,000 suspected hidden features. More than 8,000 cases and 95,000 cases of corruption related to crimes such as divination have been excluded so far. In addition, illegal transactions detected through these efforts amounted to more than $1.5 billion, and 470,000 app developers were excluded due to cheating.

He emphasizes that not only is the review by the App Store protecting users, but disabling sideloading lowers the iOS security level, exposing app stores as well as third-party app stores to serious security risks.

On the other hand, game developer Epic Games, which is fighting fiercely with Apple over game apps delivered from the App Store, points out that sideloading on an iPhone is no different from easily installing software that PC users want.

Reports on Apple’s report this time warn that if Apple allows users to sideload, malicious code for iPhones and iPads will emerge one after another, which is a massive threat to Apple on both sides of the Atlantic, Europe and North America It points out that it stems from the prospect of taking regulatory action. Apple, which is under pressure from regulators to open its doors to app stores and free app installs, has launched a publicity campaign to claim that sideloading harms iOS users.

Recently, in the US, major IT companies such as Apple are being pointed out that they are violating antitrust laws by abusing their superiority. This is also the case in the EU. As most of the investigations and lawsuits against Apple regarding Apple’s report are still in their infancy, there will be more discussion in the coming months or years. There are many evaluations that it was the first start of the fight. Related information can be found here.