The resource 9to5Mac found 2 comments in the beta version of iOS 17.2 that Apple allowed downloading of applications not from the App Store.
This version of the lighting system introduces a new managed application distribution framework. The publication already has ideas about why it is needed:
While we initially thought this API would be tied to MDM solutions for installing enterprise apps (which is already possible on iOS), it looks like Apple is working on something more significant.
We have analyzed the new API and we are responsible for the fact that it has an endpoint extension declared in the system, which means that other applications can create extensions of this type. Digging even deeper, we discovered a new, unused permission that gives external apps permission to install other apps. In other words, it will allow developers to create their own app stores.
– 9to5Mac
This API has the functionality to download, install and update applications from external sources. It can check if the application is compatible with an iOS device or tablet that the App Store already makes.
And all this could apply to virtual applications, but there is one caveat. The API has regional restrictions. This solution fits perfectly into the protocol for downloading a program not from the App Store according to the EU decision (you can only check the function in the country and the European Union) and has no significance for MDM.
In theory, Apple has until March 2024 to integrate the new feature into iOS and iPadOS. So the release of new features should take place before this date. [9to5]
Source: Iphones RU
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