According to a report, Apple will not introduce many new features in iOS 17 but will include elements that enable sideloading of apps.
WWDC in June will be the yearly update for Apple's major operating systems, with changes to iOS getting the most attention. But for the 2023 developer conference, it's becoming clear that changes in iOS 17 will focus on compliance rather than brand new features. According to Mark Gurman (via Power On newsletter), Apple will unveil iOS 17 along with iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and a major update to watchOS 10.
iOS 17: Apple prepares for legal changes in the European Union
In the case of iOS and iPadOS, they "probably won't offer any major new features." But they do seem to "meet a checklist of user requests with minor improvements." Gurman says Apple will work "beyond WWDC" on revamping iOS to allow sideloading. Back in December, it was reported that Apple was preparing for European Union law changes that will come into effect in 2024. The Digital Markets Act will force Apple to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone and iPad, and Apple is reportedly preparing to comply with those rules. Sideloading means that apps on a device can be installed from more than just the App Store.
Apple: Alternative app stores and jailbreaking are a security risk
Instead, apps can be transferred from a connected computer, downloaded from the internet and installed separately, or purchased from a third-party app store. Even if Apple appears to be acquiescing, it's likely that the company will fight the rule until the last moment. Apple has frequently called alternative app stores and jailbreaking a security risk for users and is unlikely to back down from that opinion. Of the other operating systems, iPadOS 17 appears to form the basis for the upcoming iPad Pro models with OLED displays, while the watchOS 10 operating system update takes center stage, possibly indicating that minimal hardware updates are imminent. (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)
