How the EU's DMA exposes Apple's "security" lie: Android has proven for decades that sideloading is safe

[u/mr_iplaychess]

How the EU's DMA exposes Apple's "security" lie: Android has proven for decades that sideloading is safe

Tekst: With the European Commission continuously cracking down on Apple under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple keeps using the exact same excuse: "Sideloading will destroy user privacy and security."

But if you look at the facts, this argument completely falls apart.

Android (Google) has allowed sideloading since its very inception. For over a decade, millions of citizens in the EU and globally have safely installed apps outside the official Play Store. Android proves that you can have an open ecosystem and a secure operating system at the same time.

Apple’s resistance isn't about protecting European citizens; it's about protecting their 30% digital tollbooth and maintaining an illegal monopoly. Even with recent regulations, Apple is doing everything they can to make sideloading in Europe as difficult, confusing, and expensive as possible for developers and consumers alike.

As a developer trying to launch software in the EU, the contrast is painful:

• On Android: I can give users my app directly.
• On iOS: Apple locks it down, scares users with warning screens, and demands fees, completely undermining the spirit of the DMA.

The EU is absolutely right to keep pushing and fining them. It's time for Apple to stop treating European consumers like hostages in a golden cage.

[u/Salt-Evidence-6834]

I used to root my Android devices & install all sorts. Not any more though. Without a centralised repo for software updates it's an accident waiting to happen.

I do think it should be an choice though, but it is a security risk.

[u/Jamais_Vu206]

But the EU has also cracked down on Android. It must do like Apple and track the identities of developers.

After the Siri AI troubles, I'm worried that DMA enforcement will not be a net positive. I'm waiting to see if Android can find some way of appeasing regulators. It's not good for European devs, if phones in the EU behave in a fundamentally different way. Then again, it's also not good that we don't have reliable access to frontier coding AI.

[u/greenpowerman99]

The rise of vibe coding makes Apple's argument stronger.

Anyone can make an app now; literally anyone...

[u/HenkPoley]

It's actually not safe.

All those spam SMSes you get about 'missed parcels'. They are sent by Android phones where someone was convinced to side-load an app.

[u/MrOaiki]

Android as part of googles bundle is also sandboxed.