Apple will have little choice but to allow sideloading in its next major software update for iPhones, which will be called iOS 17, thanks to the requirements of the EU. However, one report states that the company will be able to decide where the feature can and cannot be used. Naturally, the technology giant is said to restrict this change from being used in its main market, which is the U.S.

iOS 17 will have sideloading support, but the feature will likely not make it to the U.S.; here is where you will be able to use it

With sideloading on iOS 17 potentially being cut off from the U.S. market, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman comments that the feature could only be available to use in Europe, as that is where regulatory pressure from the European Union converged from. Known as the Digital Markets Art, Apple is required to allow users to download and use applications from third-party sources, a move that the company has stressed will make the App Store open to privacy and other security issues.

Gurman was a guest on the MacRumors podcast and mentioned that Apple would be doing the bare minimum to comply with the EU’s regulations, an act that may or may not result in severe repercussions. The Bloomberg reporter also states that sideloading on iOS 17 will only be available in countries the Digital Markets Act is applicable, and at this time, it is just the EU. In terms of generated revenue, the U.S. is Apple’s cash cow, so restricting users in the country from accessing third-party sources will make consumers dependent on the App Store.

Apple may limit sideloading on iOS 17 to Europe only

Even though apps would still be installed outside of the App Store, there is the possibility that Apple monetizes this opportunity by charging developers to be a part of the program. There are likely a multitude of loopholes that the company can exploit, and it will not be surprising if the California-based firm has consulted with its legal team in an extensive manner to avoid any lawful punishment from the EU.

Apart from the Digital Markets Act, the EU also requires Apple and other technology companies to transition their products to USB-Cbefore 2024. Apple already appears to be prepared for this change, as its upcoming iPhone 15 family is said to feature the USB-C port, completely abandoning the Lightning interface in the process.