Security News > 2021 > June > Tim Cook: Sideloading is a disaster and proposed App Store reforms would harm user privacy and security

Tim Cook has claimed that proposed reforms to the App Store are "Not in the best interests of the user" and would "Destroy the security of the iPhone."

"What we do at Apple is always focus intently on the user and what is in their best interests. The current DMA language that is being discussed would force sideloading on the iPhone, and this would be an alternate way of getting apps onto the iPhone," Cook said.

"That would destroy the security of the iPhone and a lot of the privacy initiatives that we've built into the App Store, where we have privacy nutrition labels, and app-tracking transparency, which gets people to give permission to be tracked across apps."

Although Google's Android operating system permits users to install third-party applications by directly opening an APK file, or via an alternative app store like those offered by Epic Games and Amazon, the same isn't true for iOS. Apple has steadfastly clung to its status as a gatekeeper, and has fervently resisted any attempts to loosen its grip.

Similar allegations have been made in Australia, while in the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority has started a formal investigation into whether Apple's control of the App Store violates the Competition Act of 1998.

The App Store also remains the subject of a high-stakes legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, with the latter having accused Apple of violating both California and Federal antitrust legislation.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/06/17/tim_cook_interview_sideloading/