Apple must open iPadOS to sideloading within 6 months, EU says

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Regulatory context & gatekeeper status

  • Many note iPadOS is effectively iOS, so extending DMA-style sideloading rules is seen as logical, despite Apple’s branding.
  • Debate over “gatekeeper” criteria: some say iPads don’t meet quantitative DMA thresholds; others point out the DMA allows qualitative designation and that iPads massively exceed thresholds for business users.
  • Comparisons to consoles: several argue consoles are smaller, more specialized markets and so far below DMA thresholds, though some think they should eventually be targeted too.

Sideloading, alternative stores, and user freedom

  • Strong support for being able to install own apps without weekly resigning, dev fees, or tethering to a PC.
  • Some want true “install from .ipa” sideloading rather than only via alternative app stores; others think regulators want someone (store operators) to be legally responsible for malware.
  • Confusion/criticism over Apple’s current DMA implementation, which some say still keeps Apple in control of distribution and definitions of “sideloading.”

Security, piracy, and indie developer impact

  • One camp worries indie developers will suffer: more stores to support, more copycats, more piracy, and more complexity.
  • Others respond that:
    • Android’s multi-store world hasn’t destroyed indie devs.
    • The main install channel will still be Apple’s store for most users.
    • Alternative stores (e.g., F-Droid–style) could be a big win for open source and hobbyists.
  • Disagreement over how economically harmful piracy actually is; some see it as devastating, others cite examples where impact is limited or mixed.

iPad vs Mac and product strategy

  • Many argue Apple intentionally limits iPadOS to avoid cannibalizing Macs, despite powerful iPad hardware.
  • Counterpoint: Apple has historically cannibalized its own products (e.g., iPod vs iPhone), so the incentives are not clear-cut.
  • Some say selling both Mac and iPad to the same user is simply more profitable than a single “do-it-all” device.

Technical limitations and desired capabilities

  • Strong desire for:
    • Linux/macOS-style VMs and emulators on iPad.
    • JIT support (currently restricted), which would greatly improve VM/emulator performance.
    • Better local dev environments, full browsers with extensions, and fewer OS-imposed hardware restrictions.
  • Existing workarounds (UTM, iSH, SSH to remote machines, Raspberry Pi/remote rigs) are seen as fragile or unsatisfying.

EU, Apple, and broader politics

  • Some praise the EU for curbing “anti-customer” behavior and pushing openness; others call it overregulation or “communism” and warn about business climate and GDP share.
  • Most think Apple leaving the EU is unrealistic, though a few float the idea; others argue Europe could survive or even benefit by fostering native alternatives.