It's official: iPhone sideloading‚ third-party app stores‚ third-party payment systems‚ lower fees (with a twist)‚ Apple Pay alternatives‚ game streaming apps‚ and better support for alternate browsers are coming to iPhone with the iOS 17.4 update. This sounds amazing until you actually start reading Apple's press release and developer documentation. These features will only be available in Europe as of March 7th‚ which is the deadline for the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) that forces Apple to open up the iPhone to improve competition. The iPhone maker says these features are localized to the EU. Also‚ Apple says the ability to install apps from other sources on iPhone (aka sideloading) might impact the user's security and privacy. That's why Apple is not bringing these features to international markets. Then again‚ no other jurisdiction is forcing Apple to do it‚ but Japan and the US are both contemplating similar legislation. If you've read my coverage‚ you probably know I'm not going to take advantage of iPhone sideloading. I won't get apps from anywhere other than the App Store. And I'm not going to use any other developer's payment system. However‚ since I am in Europe‚ I'll be able to see all these iOS 17.4 features in action‚ and I'll show how Apple will implement them. I understand that some people want these alternatives on iPhone‚ and I think Apple should release them globally without putting up another pointless fight. That said‚ iOS 17.4 beta 1 doesn't introduce many changes when it comes to app downloads. I couldn't find anything that would inform users about sideloading‚ third-party app stores‚ and all the DMA-related features after I installed the beta. Continue reading... The post iPhone sideloading is coming‚ but there’s no sign of it in iOS 17.4 beta 1 appeared first on BGR. Trending Right Now: 6 new Netflix releases that will dominate everyone’s screens next week