The availability of iOS 17 sideloading may be limited to Europe only

 The latest round of unsubstantiated chatter adds a qualifier to the ongoing rumours that iOS 17 will support app sideloading: the feature will reportedly only be available in Europe and won't be coming to the US.

Extra costs

This exclusivity for Europe makes sense because Apple only added sideloading under regulatory duress from the EU and didn't really want to. According to Gurman, Apple won't "shoot themselves in the foot" by adding it everywhere and will likely launch the feature covertly.

Additionally, according to Gurman, there may be an additional fee for developers who want their products to be accessible outside of the iOS App Store. If the feature is announced in a press release rather than the keynote address at WWDC 2023, don't be shocked.

 Additionally, Gurman said that updates to the Wallet and Find My applications are anticipated.

Analysis: Apple complies with EU demands

If you're wondering what app sideloading has to do with EU lawmakers, the situation has previously seen Apple face criticism from European regulators due to the App Store's reputation as an Apple-run monopoly.

The Digital Markets Act of the EU, which takes effect this summer, attempts to restrict the power of online "gatekeepers." The EU would contend that Apple cannot compel iOS apps to pass via its own App Store, but Apple would counter that it requires that control to protect users' privacy and uphold a high standard of service.

It now appears likely that iOS and iPadOS will allow apps to be installed from other sources, even if it is only in Europe. Apple previously had to fight a costly legal battle against Epic over the issue of controlling in-app payments, and it will want to avoid another protracted case.

The iPhone 15 is anticipated to convert from Lighting to USB-C at the same time. Again, this is in response to EU rules; but, since software is considerably simpler to adapt to regional requirements than hardware is, the USB-C iPhone will be available across all of Apple's countries.