Apple’s Phil Schiller talks about the risks of alternative app stores on iPhone

Starting with iOS 17.4, currently in beta, Apple will allow alternative app marketplaces on iPhones in the EU. Apple made the change to comply with new regulations under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which will take full effect next month.

In an interview with fast companyAccording to an article published today by Michael Grothaus, Apple’s former head of marketing and current head of App Store, Phil Schiller, says these alternative app marketplaces pose privacy and security risks. .

“While these new regulations bring new options for developers, they also bring new risks. There is no getting around this, so we are doing everything we can to minimize risk for everyone. “We’re doing things like that,” Schiller told me during a recent discussion about privacy. Security implications of the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act.

One of these risks is the possibility of users downloading malicious or unsafe apps. However, Apple plans to notarize all apps using a combination of automated processes and basic human review to prevent these apps from becoming available on alternative app marketplaces. Possible. Still, Apple said the notarization is not as thorough as the App Store’s review process or the guidelines developers must follow.

Another risk is that the App Store’s strict rules regarding objectionable content may not extend to alternative app marketplaces, Schiller said.

“We are working with families to discuss what we need to do to disallow certain types of objectionable content on the App Store or to allow users to control that experience and decide what’s best for them. “We’ve dealt with a lot of feedback from the government, and we have rules around that,” Schiller said. “Those rules don’t apply to other markets unless they make their own rules. [with] Whatever criteria they come up with. Does it increase the risk of users and their families encountering objectionable content or other experiences? Yes. “

Schiller’s comments reiterate many of the risks Apple outlined on its website.

If not properly managed, alternative distribution increases privacy, safety, and security risks for users and developers. This includes installing software from unknown developers that does not meet the requirements of the Apple Developer Program, installing software that compromises the integrity of your system with malware or other malicious code, distributing pirated software, illegal content, Includes risks from exposure to objectionable or harmful content. Content and moderation standards are lowered, increasing the risk of fraud, fraud, and abuse. Apple does not have much ability to address these risks and support and refund customers regarding these issues. Even with safety measures in place, many of these risks still remain.

You can read the full interview below fast company‘s website.