Apple To Allow iPhone & iPad Users to Download Apps Outside Its Store
Apple is looking into the idea of allowing iPhone users to download apps outside of its own store. While it could be a good marketing opportunity for developers, it’s also possible that the company will have to create security measures to keep the process safe. That means it may have to come up with some kind of payment tool to protect the user’s data.
Payment tool could be bypassed
The good folks at Cupertino have done their due diligence in delivering a streamlined experience that’s both secure and rewarding. One notable exception has been the lack of app store exclusivity in the Netherlands. Thankfully, the Dutch aren’t the only ones in the sandbox. A small handful of countries such as Singapore, Australia and New Zealand have a more open minded approach to mobile software and services. As a result, consumers have a better chance of snagging the latest and greatest apps. Of course, the challenge is making sure you aren’t overpaying for apps you don’t need. That’s where the mobile app store comes in. A savvy user can download a range of popular apps – from games to fitness trackers – in just a few clicks.
Security requirements could be mandated
Apps have become a necessary part of our daily lives. They are downloaded from various sources, including official software stores and third-party app stores. These platforms have their own vulnerabilities and risks, but they also provide users with access to important services. Unfortunately, malicious apps are still getting onto the market, and they are spreading on these app stores. This has led the UK government to call for views on how to improve security and privacy in apps.
The government wants to ensure that users are able to make informed decisions about what permissions they give to their apps. Currently, this information is not easily accessible to users. It’s hard for them to know whether the requests they give are justified. Some users may simply accept the permissions without considering the potential risks. This is why the government is calling for a multi-stakeholder process.
The Call for Views is open for eight weeks. It gives stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on how the government can achieve the four fundamental objectives for apps. These are to create a thriving digital economy, to protect users, to ensure that the privacy of users is protected and to encourage safe digital innovation.
The Code of Practice for App Store Developers is the first step towards achieving these objectives. It would set out baseline principles for operators and help them to prepare the UK market for potential changes. This would align with the government’s support for digital innovation and the privacy and safety of consumers.
Free marketing opportunities for developers
There’s no shortage of apps to choose from on Apple’s mobile operating system, but the app store isn’t for everyone. While the iPhone’s native library of apps can be downloaded, many developers prefer the less publically scrutinized alternative of hosting their creations in the cloud. That’s the reason the iPhone’s home screen is home to a host of new and interesting apps, including the latest from the developer of the popular mobile game Candy Crush. Among them are a new game in the Candy Crush sandbox, the highly anticipated Pokémon Go and the long-awaited Pokemon Battle sandbox. On top of the aforementioned app downloads, the iPhone rump also recently received a new home screen complete with a colorful ring of droids. On top of the upgrade, users can expect to enjoy the latest iteration of iOS’s newest game, the sexiest and most fun incarnation of the much maligned Candy Crush.
