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> A big part of the reason I use Apple products is that they protect not only me, but my family who don't know what the implications of sideloading are. All iP

by tmpz22 2y ago

> A big part of the reason I use Apple products is that they protect not only me, but my family who don't know what the implications of sideloading are. All iPhones contain developer mode settings that can be activated with a little song and dance and compromise security. There is zero chance any of your relatives will accidentally turn off these settings if they are not actively looking to do so. Sideloading could easily be put under this mantle. Potential counterargument: "What if my nephew falls for some sideloading phish scam when trying to download hacks for COD mobile? Then he would be encouraged to follow any list of steps to compromise his security" Response: If someone is going that far out of the way to compromise themselves no amount of bubble wrap is going to fix it.

gjsman-1000 2y ago
No, the counterargument, and why Apple will never do it, is this: Take an IPA (iOS Packaged Application). Remove the identifying markers, digital signature, change the bundle ID. Lo and behold, it’s indistinguishable compared to an app you developed yourself. Install and pirate away. On Android, it’s pretty well documented the majority of APK installs are piracy. Possibly over 90%. Apple will almost certainly, if necessary, allow 3rd party App Stores if the law requires - but direct IPA installation is a pirate’s dream, let alone the actual malware bundled with. Unless the law deliberately and specifically requires it, it’s not happening; and with the strong piracy connections, it’s very unlikely the law will ever specifically require that feature.
- kelnos 2y ago
  That's a great reason why Apple (absent regulation) will never do it, but that's not really the point. I don't particularly care what Apple does or doesn't want. Software piracy is a fact of life. Attempting to protect against it, and eating whatever (possibly imagined losses) are costs of doing business. That's been that case as long as there have been personal computers. > On Android, it’s pretty well documented the majority of APK installs are piracy. How many of those would actually lead to a sale, though? This is the same argument the music and movie studios always trotted out, and it's just as invalid now. Many people just won't pay for things, and will otherwise do without.
- tmpz22 2y ago
  There's a certain irony that IP protection would be valued so highly when the entire AI field (which Apple participates in) is built on IP theft.

by tmpz22 2y ago

gjsman-1000 2y ago

No, the counterargument, and why Apple will never do it, is this: Take an IPA (iOS Packaged Application). Remove the identifying markers, digital signature, change the bundle ID. Lo and behold, it’s indistinguishable compared to an app you developed yourself. Install and pirate away. On Android, it’s pretty well documented the majority of APK installs are piracy. Possibly over 90%. Apple will almost certainly, if necessary, allow 3rd party App Stores if the law requires - but direct IPA installation is a pirate’s dream, let alone the actual malware bundled with. Unless the law deliberately and specifically requires it, it’s not happening; and with the strong piracy connections, it’s very unlikely the law will ever specifically require that feature.

kelnos 2y ago
That's a great reason why Apple (absent regulation) will never do it, but that's not really the point. I don't particularly care what Apple does or doesn't want. Software piracy is a fact of life. Attempting to protect against it, and eating whatever (possibly imagined losses) are costs of doing business. That's been that case as long as there have been personal computers. > On Android, it’s pretty well documented the majority of APK installs are piracy. How many of those would actually lead to a sale, though? This is the same argument the music and movie studios always trotted out, and it's just as invalid now. Many people just won't pay for things, and will otherwise do without.
tmpz22 2y ago
There's a certain irony that IP protection would be valued so highly when the entire AI field (which Apple participates in) is built on IP theft.