Apple allegedly tightening restrictions on app side-loading on M1 Macs
Alright, let's dive into the latest development regarding Apple's M1 Macs and app sideloading. Earlier this week, some eyebrows were raised when 9to5Mac spotted some beta code hinting at Apple's intent to prevent unauthorized app installations on the new M1-powered Macs. Fast forward to now, and it appears those fears were not unfounded.
According to fresh reports from 9to5Mac, it's officially no longer possible to sideload apps on your M1 Mac that aren't available in the Mac App Store. Yes, you read that right. Even if those apps are available on iOS devices. The reason behind this restriction? Developers aren't exactly thrilled about their apps running on Macs.
Well, there could be a plethora of reasons for that displeasure. Perhaps it's because the app wasn't designed with Mac functionality in mind. Or maybe the developers are worried about the performance implications. Whatever the reason, it seems Apple is determined to stick to its guns when it comes to sideloading.
So, what's the workaround, you ask? Well, folks had managed to bypass this restriction using tools like iMazing. They'd sideload apps from their iPhones or iPads onto their M1 Macs, regardless of whether those apps were officially supported or not. But as we all know, good things rarely last. Apple's reputation as a stickler for sideloading precedes it, and it wasn't long before they stepped in to quash the fun.
Now, when you try to sideload an unsupported app onto your M1 Mac running the macOS 11.2 beta, you'll be greeted with an unfriendly error message. The message informs you that the application "cannot be installed because the developer did not intend for it to run on this platform." This server-side measure is quite effective in blocking direct sideloading.
But fear not, my tech-savvy friends. According to 9to5Mac, previously sideloaded apps continue to run. So, if you'd managed to get your apps installed before the ban, you're in the clear...for now.
As for Apple's response to this development, they've been as silent as a mime at a noisy concert. But as history tells us, they're likely to have a solid reason for their decision, whatever it may be.
So there you have it, folks. Another day, another Apple sideloading controversy. Here's to seeing what this tech titan has up its sleeves next!
- Despite the availability of the app on iOS devices, Apple's latest M1 Macs do not support sideloading of unauthorized apps, as indicated by the MacOS 11.2 beta.
- Users who had previously sideloaded apps onto their M1 Macs using tools like iMazing find that those apps continue to function despite Apple's strict measures against sideloading.
- The tech industry is abuzz with discussions about the implications of Apple's stance on sideloading, especially given the potential risks and benefits of using unauthorized apps on the M1 Macs.
- As Apple remains tight-lipped about its reasoning for the sideloading ban, speculation continues to swirl around the tech community about the future of app installations on M1 Macs and the role that technology will play in shaping that future.
