Apple now blocking new installs of sideloaded iOS apps on M1 Macs

Apple has enabled server-side protections against sideloading iPhone and iPad apps onto M1-based Macs, though previously installed apps will continue to function.

Developers can choose to prevent their iOS or iPadOS apps from being available on the Mac App Store. Until now, users have been getting around this restriction by downloading and installing legitimate IPA files on the Apple Silicon-based Macs.

Apps like Netflix and Instagram are not available in the Mac App Store, so users are not able to use them on the M1 Macs. The change does not affect apps that have already been downloaded or installed but will prevent any future apps from being installed.

The server-side change will prevent new apps from being sideloaded thus erasing any possibility of a legitimate app installation. 9to5Mac says it affects the APIs surrounding Digital Rights Management protections on App Store software.

The version of macOS will not affect this change. The beta version of macOS Big Sur shows a more detailed error message when users attempt sideloading, but that is the only difference. Older versions will also not be able to sideload due to the server-side change.

Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store will not be affected and will continue to function. If users want a third-party app to be made available for the M1 platform, they will have to contact the developers and request an official release.

46 Comments

byronl 376 comments · 4 Years

About 3 years ago

can they let us live

alphafox 132 comments · 11 Years

Really Apple. When you buy a laptop you should be able to load whatever you want on it.

jamess109 4 comments · 4 Years

Wish I never bought M1 Mac mini now... this was pretty much one of the highlights of buying a M1 chipped Mac. So far a Mac that crashes and needing reboots most of the time and the lack of a Mini Optical port in the headphone jack vs my previous Mac mini 2011 or iMac 2012 which I used it on with my AV Receiver (Using HDMI with video has lots of drawbacks when I want direct connectivity to Monitor). Talk about going backwards and slapping the customer in the face one after the other, whats next Apple? - I know not all iOS apps aren't officially support however when announcing the benefits of this Arm Processor sold me on installing iOS app the only apps that should be disabled for transfer is ones that could lead to piracy such as streaming apps like Netflix etc.

avs_htx 5 comments · 4 Years

alphafox said:

Really Apple. When you buy a laptop you should be able to load whatever you want on it.

As a developer, I don’t want people to install my product on devices for which I did not license it to. Those apps were developed and licensed by developers for use on specific platforms. This is a valid scenario which Apple is right in blocking it. If you want something just get the right product for the device.