Apple says that allowing the sideloading of apps on iOS will make the platform less safe
Apple kicks things off right from the get-go with a statement that sums up everything: “iPhone is a highly personal device where users store some of their most sensitive and personal information. This means that maintaining security and privacy on the iOS ecosystem is of critical importance to users. However, some are demanding that Apple support the distribution of apps outside of the App Store, through direct downloads or third-party app stores, a process also referred to as ‘sideloading.'”
Apple’s chart shows the different types of malware
The tech giant adds that “Supporting sideloading through direct downloads and third-party app stores would cripple the privacy and security protections that have made iPhone so
secure, and expose users to serious security risks.” Apple notes that mobile malware and threats to security and privacy are “predominantly present” on platforms that allow sideloading, which sounds like a shot at Android.”
Why is malware so dangerous? Apple points out that “Mobile malware harms consumers, companies, developers, and advertisers. Attacks on users employ various tactics and techniques. Common types of mobile malware affecting consumers are adware, ransomware, spyware, and banking and other credential-stealing trojans that masquerade as legitimate apps.”
To spread these attacks, bad actors often use social media. Overall, malware can hurt not just consumers, but developers and advertisers too. Malware can result in the theft of intellectual property, and cost advertisers some revenue.
Apple says that if it is forced to allow sideloading, it would become easier for cybercriminals to target users as more apps would become dangerous since many third-party app stores do not have vetting procedures in place. As Apple writes, “If sideloading from third-party app stores were supported, malicious apps would simply migrate to third-party stores and continue to infect consumer devices.”
Apple says that consumers rely on their mobile devices more than ever which means that keeping them safe is paramount
Because third-party app stores wouldn’t require developers to provide the information that Apple demands, users would not get accurate info about these apps. Even with direct downloads, users wouldn’t have features like parental controls and App Tracking Transparency to help control what iPhone data, hardware, and services can be accessed by those apps.
Apple says that even those users not interested in sideloading could be forced to do so if an app they need is no longer available on the App Store and can only be found in a third-party store. There is also the fear that cybercriminals will trick users into sideloading an app via phishing, or by promising exclusive features, or free access to an infected app.
Apple points out that thanks to the pandemic, consumers now rely on their mobile devices more than ever. Consumers are now more likely to store their personal health information on their mobile devices which Apple calls “valuable data that hackers can sell to multiple buyers.” And the number of tricks being used to attack mobile users has been growing with mobile phishing incidents up 37%.
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