Apple researcher Phil Schiller has warned that while Apple is trying to strengthen security before the regulatory rules go into full effect, the introduction of a third-party app marketplace for iPhones in EU countries could create huge privacy and security concerns for users.
The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) forces Apple to open the iPhone to third-party digital storefronts in EU member states, starting in March 2024, on iOS 17In Update 4, sideloading and alternative stores will be enabled in addition to Apple's own App Store.
In preparation for the introduction of third-party stores, Apple has outlined various changes in how fees are charged, as well as security mechanisms to ensure the safety of users. However, Apple warns that this does not protect against all possible scenarios.
Phil Schiller, head of the App Store and Apple researcher, explained to Fast Company:"While these new regulations bring new options to developers, they also introduce new risks. This is an unavoidable question. Therefore, we are making every effort to minimize these risks. "
The introduction of third-party storefronts means that there are new ways to install maliciously** apps on iPhones, which can cause a number of problems for end users. Apple's old"Walled garden"Methods and App Store review processes weed out these apps, with nearly 1.7 million submitted apps rejected in 2022 for not meeting privacy, security, and content standards.
Since third-party stores may not have as strict a review process as Apple's, Apple has introduced various elements to improve security, such as notarization before installing all apps on the iPhone, regardless of which app store they come from.
Schiller said"We've made more than 600 new APIs available to developers, giving them the tools to build a marketplace, install apps, and give users control over the process. We have completed a lot of core engineering and will continue to do so. "
Users are also presented with an information sheet before installing the app, showing the basic details of the app and adding more control over market selection.
Still, Schiller added that Apple's protections have limitations, and it can't really control the content of apps that replace storefronts, because notarization doesn't check the actual content, only that the apps are safe and not malicious.
Apple researchers said:"At the end of the day, there are some things we don't allow on our App Store – things we don't think are safe or appropriate. Whether other markets have the same terms and restrictions is not something we can decide"。
Schiller noted"While Apple has put in place rules to prevent certain types of inappropriate content from appearing on the App Store after years of consultation with families and **, these rules do not apply to other markets unless they choose to make their own rules and adopt whatever standards they propose. Does this increase the risk of users and families encountering inappropriate content or other experiences? Yes, it will. "