Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – One of the key differences between Apple’s iOS operating system and Google’s Android is their approach to the app installation process.
So far, Android allows the ‘sideloading’ process, namely the ability to install applications outside the official Google Play Store. That way, users have the freedom and flexibility to access applications made by developers that are not officially available.
Meanwhile, iOS is completely exclusive. All apps installed onto the iPhone and iPad must go through the Apple App Store app store. The reason is, Apple considers that all applications in its official store have gone through a filtering process, so they are safer for users.
However, the Digital Market Law (DMA) established by the European Union will force Apple to accommodate the sideloading mechanism on its devices. DMA considers sideloading important to prevent monopolistic practices.
So far, Apple is still opposing this decision on the pretext of maintaining user security. In fact, Apple wants to sue Europe because it considers that the App Store service does not fall into the ‘gatekeeper’ category which must comply with DMA.
Apart from all that, Apple also needs to be prepared if it loses and ultimately has to submit to DMA. In this way, Apple will inevitably become more and more like Android in the future.
Interestingly, Google, which is the creator of Android, actually recognizes the dangers of sideloading. In his testimony, Google CEO Sundar Pichai warned all Android cellphone users that sideloading applications carries a high risk because they are susceptible to being infected with malware.
This warning is in line with the reason why Apple does not want to give sideloading permission. Apple also used Google’s statement as a ‘weapon’. According to Apple, even Google knows how much potential danger posed by sideloading applications.
The debate about sideloading focuses on one thing, namely how to create a balance between user freedom and user security.
Even though sideloading carries the risk of introducing dangerous viruses, this mechanism is considered to provide users with freedom of access to all applications. Apart from that, sideloading also allows users to access beta applications that are not yet official.
Another additional point, sideloading also supports independent application developers who do not want to be tied to the official application system on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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