Apple again bars sideloading of iOS apps on M1 Macs
Apple with the latest macOS Big Sur release has blocked sideloading of iOS apps on Macs running M1 chips, again preventing users from installing iPhone and iPad apps on its desktop operating system.
The tech giant first constructed hurdles against sideloading in January with server-side protections barring manual installs of iOS and iPadOS apps. Lifted four days later, the ban was expected to see reinstatement with the release of a subsequent macOS update.
As noted by 9to5Mac, the latest version of Big Sur 11.2, issued last week, again activates the server-side block. Further tests show the sideloading policy extends to the current macOS 11.3 beta.
Apple's M1 chip shares an architecture with the company's A-series silicon, making it relatively simple to run existing iOS apps on the desktop platform. Developers who do not wish to distribute their wares on macOS, whether it be for technical or marketing reasons, can opt out of presenting software on the Mac App Store.
Users eager to access popular iOS apps like Facebook, Instagram and Netflix on macOS discovered a workaround that involved downloading and installing IPA files. Apple's server-side restriction renders that process ineffective.
Attempting to install an IPA file now triggers a warning message that reads, "This application cannot be installed because the developer did not intend for it to run on this platform."
Apple has not issued an official comment on sideloading iOS apps on M1 Macs, though it appears that the new policy against such action is permanent.
The tech giant first constructed hurdles against sideloading in January with server-side protections barring manual installs of iOS and iPadOS apps. Lifted four days later, the ban was expected to see reinstatement with the release of a subsequent macOS update.
As noted by 9to5Mac, the latest version of Big Sur 11.2, issued last week, again activates the server-side block. Further tests show the sideloading policy extends to the current macOS 11.3 beta.
Apple's M1 chip shares an architecture with the company's A-series silicon, making it relatively simple to run existing iOS apps on the desktop platform. Developers who do not wish to distribute their wares on macOS, whether it be for technical or marketing reasons, can opt out of presenting software on the Mac App Store.
Users eager to access popular iOS apps like Facebook, Instagram and Netflix on macOS discovered a workaround that involved downloading and installing IPA files. Apple's server-side restriction renders that process ineffective.
Attempting to install an IPA file now triggers a warning message that reads, "This application cannot be installed because the developer did not intend for it to run on this platform."
Apple has not issued an official comment on sideloading iOS apps on M1 Macs, though it appears that the new policy against such action is permanent.
Comments
I appreciated very much what Jason Snell wrote recently in one of my Macworld issues. While he did appeal for patience on the part of M1 users who would love to side load apps they've paid for, he also appealed to developers to err on the side of freedom, or at least invest more time in making their apps work better on the Mac if indeed they feel they have legitimate reasons for blocking side loading for now.
The fact is, side-loading is part of the fun of using Apple Silicon in these early days of the chips. We all know such fun eventually gets crushed, but this is quite early in the game, and in my opinion too early. Let M1 users have some fun.
I have both a Mac mini and MacBook Air with Apple Silicon and the iOS apps a offered for install via the Mac App Store are not the same. There are some that appear on one and not the other.
Since they both are specced the same they should both offer the same apps, right?
And as far as whining by developers, Apple should clearly show on the iOS App Store if the app runs on the Mac. Either develop Mac apps or let your iOS apps run on Apple Silicon Macs. eero comes to mind…
Some of us do not want to set up and run our networks from iOS.
Yep, but only the apps that the iOS/iPadOS developers have allowed to be installed on M1 Macs can be installed.
Prior to macOS 11.2, you could load ANY iOS/iPadOS app on an M1 Mac, even if the developer did not allow it.
First off, a vendor who doesn't want an app to run on a given platform could have added code that limits their app to specific platforms, and doesn't need Apple's help. So I am prepared to criticize developers who are too stupid to properly code.
Furthermore, if Apple's App Store guidelines (and its past statements to developers) are written properly, Apple would have the right to allow side-loading. However I can see that Apple would hesitate to allow side loading because lots of apps would behave poorly and that would make both Apple and the developers look bad. Maybe Apple has a plan to allow side-loading once the bugs are worked out. Do you have any problem with Apple working out bugs before they release software? How do you know Apple will never support side-loading? Can you cite your source?
You can already run whatever you want on your Mac**2** if you install Windows or Linux on it. Those OSs don't have walled gardens so they must make you very happy. Have you been complaining at all about the fact that Apple doesn't support the OpenGL API on Macs? If not, you're a hypocrite. If you are complaining about that, explain your reason that Apple should not be allowed to do choose to not support it.
Were you angry when Apple decided not to support Flash? What was your rationale for forcing Apple to support it?
So just because Microsoft provides a service**3**, you expect that Apple should be forced to do the same thing?
So now you're complaining that **4**because it's a bad business decision, Apple shouldn't be allowed to do it. Can you list any other companies that have made bad business decisions that you want to stop them from doing business? Do you want to force GM to stop selling Hummers?
So now you're saying that because **5**Apple may do something in the future that will offend you, Apple needs to be stopped now!?!
You repeat yourself over and over that Apple is making bad business decisions. So what? Do you want veto power over any company that makes a bad business decision? Are you the world's dictator? Do you like dictatorships? Move to China.
Then we’ll tell you that decision is in your best interest and has nothing to do with our revenue stream.
Next stop, you can only install apps from the Mac App Store. For your best interest of course!
You don’t actually own the device, we just let you use it!