Who would have thought? The company known for its tight control and “walled garden” approach has finally taken a significant step towards openness with its tablet operating system. With the release of iPadOS 18, announced at the recent Glowtime event, iPad users in the European Union can now install apps outside of Apple’s official App Store.
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But don’t be fooled—Apple’s shift wasn’t exactly voluntary. The tech giant had to bow to the pressure of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation aimed at reining in the power of big tech companies. So, this wasn’t a change made out of goodwill but rather necessity.
What Is Sideloading?
For those unfamiliar, let’s break down “sideloading.” Essentially, it’s the ability to install apps from sources other than the official App Store. If you’re an Android user, this might sound like business as usual. But in Apple’s historically locked-down ecosystem, this is nothing short of a revolution.
Up until now, Apple had a firm stance against sideloading, justifying it as a security measure. In many ways, they had a point—by controlling all the apps available on their devices, they could ensure a level of safety for users. But with sideloading now allowed under iPadOS 18, things are set to change.
A More Open—but Not Totally Open—System
Of course, Apple isn’t opening the floodgates without some precautions. The company has implemented new security measures to ensure the safety of apps, including the introduction of “iOS app attestation.” This means that all apps, whether downloaded from the App Store or elsewhere, must go through a basic verification process.
This process involves automated checks along with human review, offering some peace of mind for users while still giving Apple a way to monitor what gets installed on iPads. And if you’re thinking this will be a simple drag-and-drop process, think again. Apple has made sideloading a bit of a hurdle, requiring multiple steps for installation. It’s clear they’re not taking any chances.
The Controversy Around “Core Technology Fees”
One of the most surprising announcements tied to iPadOS 18 is Apple’s introduction of “Core Technology Fees.” Apple will now charge developers a fee of 50 cents per installation for any app installed more than a million times in a year. In a sense, it’s Apple’s way of continuing to profit from its ecosystem—even if apps bypass the official App Store.
This move hasn’t exactly been well-received. Critics argue that Apple is trying to discourage sideloading by making it financially cumbersome for developers. Some go as far as accusing Apple of wanting to “have their cake and eat it too” by reaping profits from apps that don’t even pass through their store. Unsurprisingly, the European Commission has already launched an investigation to determine whether this practice violates the DMA’s regulations.
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What Does This Mean for the Future?
For iPad users, this is a turning point. While sideloading isn’t as straightforward as it is on Android, it does signal that Apple’s ecosystem is loosening up—at least in Europe. However, with fees like the Core Technology Fee and multiple layers of verification, it’s clear that Apple isn’t fully embracing this shift. They’re complying with the rules, but still maintaining a level of control over the process.
Whether this will truly open the door to a more flexible app ecosystem or simply become a token gesture to satisfy regulators remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a fascinating moment in the evolution of how Apple interacts with both developers and users, especially in an increasingly regulated world.