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

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

EU regulators have ordered Apple to allow sideloading and alternative app stores on iPadOS within six months, extending the Digital Markets Act rules that already apply to iOS. Commenters debate whether iPads should count as “general-purpose” computing platforms and whether this move will meaningfully increase user freedom, enable things like Linux VMs and open-source app stores, or instead harm indie developers through fragmentation and piracy. Many see the decision as a necessary check on Apple’s gatekeeping power, while critics argue it overreaches and could undermine security and stability.

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.