William Gallagher
A new Developer Mode in iOS 16 and watchOS 9 that allows users to install apps through Configurator if they confirm that they are developers may be a herald of what will be required to take advantage of third-party app stores.
Currently, a developer can run their own Xcode apps on their iPhones for testing, and developers can offer a TestFlight option that allows beta testers to try out the apps. Now Apple is introducing a middle ground between the two, and it's likely that this new Developer Mode is a precursor to how Apple may ultimately allow third-party apps on iPhone.
"Developer Mode, introduced in iOS 16 and watchOS 9, protects people from inadvertently installing potentially harmful software on their devices," says Apple in a new developer document, "and reduces attack vectors exposed by developer-only functionality."
"The feature doesn't affect ordinary installation techniques like buying apps from the App Store, or participating in a TestFlight team," it continues. "Instead, Developer Mode focuses on scenarios like performing a Build and Run in Xcode, or installing an .ipa file with Apple Configurator."
It's this last point that is most significant. Apps that are distributed outside of the App Store are in this .ipa format.
There's more to it than just turning the Developer Mode toggle on"In these cases, the device explicitly asks the person using it to confirm that they're a developer," says Apple, "aware of the risks of installing development-signed software."
Turning on Developer Mode requires a user to go through several steps, including restarting their device, plus acknowledging multiple warnings. It's not the case that a bad actor can easily turn it on and then install malicious apps.
If the new option is part of Apple's preparing for a future with third-party app stores, the company is not giving up on its campaign to prevent losing its control.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
7 Comments
I want, no DEMAND, that this Developer Mode setting include a way for the iPhone operator/owner to lock out the ability for it to be changed by anyone except the iPhone user as defined in iCloud settings. Further, I want to make sure the iCloud settings require either a password, passkey or something no person other than the logged in user has access to. I CHOOSE to only use the Apple App Store and since it's my device with my personal information on it, I have a right to protect that information, especially from non-governmental people, like developers. I CHOOSE what goes on my OS devices, not developers or governments. A "bad actor" has several ways to get past any iOS setting but it's more difficult when there aren't settings that would easily allow the beginning of opening an iOS device. This mode is a semi-locked door when it currently is a wall with no way to get through.
Yeah no $#!+ but then it's down, to forcing you to put in your password, pin, cut your finger off, or pop your eye out of socket!
3rd party stores on iOS aren't going to improve prices/quality/selection/satisfaction for consumers and everyone knows it. The EU knows it. Congress knows it. Microsoft and Epic know it. All it will do is allow 3rd parties to take a cut from software sales too while also compromising privacy/security for iOS users.