If Apple do implement this, I hope they can ensure 3rd party apps live in a sandbox or otherwise need to be given explicit permissions. One big argument I've seen against side-loading on iOS is people like the confidence of knowing that an app has to play by iOS's rules, so if we can bring this to the world of side-loading then this could be a win-win for "both camps".
7. The gatekeeper shall allow providers of services and providers of hardware, free of charge, effective interoperability with, and access for the purposes of interoperability to, the same hardware and software features accessed or controlled via the operating system or virtual assistant listed in the designation decision pursuant to Article 3(9) as are available to services or hardware provided by the gatekeeper. Furthermore, the gatekeeper shall allow business users and alternative providers of services provided together with, or in support of, core platform services, free of charge, effective interoperability with, and access for the purposes of interoperability to, the same operating system, hardware or software features, regardless of whether those features are part of the operating system, as are available to, or used by, that gatekeeper when providing such services.
None of that negates what GP said. Apps have the ability to interoperate, but they still have to build that functionality. Apps can’t just take over other apps or their data at unawares.
Interesting point. I also hope that Apple will allow sideloads into these permission-less sandboxes.
Imagine two classes of sandbox: offline with loads of permissions, online with no permissions. Offline apps will obviously have to be paid for upfront. Online apps will have a subscription model.
