2023-04-25 22:58:42
O 9to5Mac revealed today that Apple is adopting “hard coding techniques” so that some functions of iOS not work in specific locations. The system (codenamed “countryd”), according to the website, was added in the version 16.2 from the OS and is not being used for anything… until now.
As much as iOS restrictions have always existed, many depend on the region where the iPhone was configured or even where it comes from. However, this new system works intelligently, crossing data such as GPS locationGlobal positioning systemor global positioning system.”>1 and SIM card information to pinpoint which country the user is in.
Still according to the website, “the code seen […] makes clear that this system is designed to set restrictions determined by government regulators.” This, therefore, paves the way for understanding how Apple should deal with European legislation and the sideloading of apps.
A few days ago, Mark Gurman (and Bloomberg) stated that Apple will be able, with iOS 17, to allow the practice of installing apps on the iPhone/iPad outside the App Store only on the European continent — only because it is required by the Digital Markets Law. To avoid further headaches with justice, the idea would be to restrict the use of territory.
With the systemcountryd”, the Cupertino giant will be able to identify quite easily if the iPhone or iPad is being used in any country in the European Union. If so, the system should automatically allow the installation of applications from unknown sources; otherwise, the user will not be able to perform such action.
In the event that other countries, over time, oblige Apple to allow the installation of applications outside the App Store — or even any other functionality of the system —, it would be enough to update the code for such a feature to be enabled/ disabled.
Still, it’s not clear if (nor in what form) Apple will officially announce that it will open up iOS/iPadOS to join the sideloading (the installation of applications from unknown sources) as a new feature of systems. For the time being, the company also has not commented on the discovery made by the 9to5Mac.
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