Apple CEO, Tim Cook Believes iOS is Safer than Android

Android and iOS platforms have been rivals since a long time. The internet is inundated with many posts that portray the advantages of one over the other. One of the key benefits of Android over iOS is the greater and easier customization features. Also, Android offers sideloading of apps and many more features than Apple. Nowadays, Apple is also fixing the loopholes in terms of customizations. Apple is attempting to resolve customization hitches with every iteration of iOS. Nevertheless, will the tech giant permit its users to sideload apps?

Recently, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, expressed his opinion on sideloading of apps on smartphones in an interview with Brut America. He is not in favor of features such as sideloading of apps and many other available in android systems. He said that Android has 47 times more malware compared to iOS. According to him, mobile applications on Android systems overrule the best interests of users.

He also explained the reason for the difference between iOS and Android systems in terms of sideloading of apps. He said that “App Store” is efficient and much safer in scrutinizing developers who wish to add their apps to the online store. iOS is designed in such a manner that there is a single App Store,‌ and all apps are examined before they are added to the store. This keeps a lot of malware away from iOS ecosystem.

On the other hand, Android users can effortlessly install apps from third party platforms other than android’s Play Store. As a result, users are unsure about the safety of apps downloaded and installed from third party platforms.

iOS users can only install Apple-approved apps that are available on App Store. Cook also revealed his thoughts on the Apple's emphasis on confidentiality while talking about its precursor, the late Steve Jobs. He said that Apple has been focusing on confidentiality for eras. Steve believed that confidentiality was nothing but mentioning in simple language what people signed up for and got approval for—and that approval had to be asked time and again. Apple has always tried to maintain the confidentiality in this manner.

“Apple users have been conveying how much they appreciate our privacy policies.  Hence, our company will always stand up for our customers in terms of privacy”, Tim stated. He further revealed that he is optimistic about privacy and thinks that most people who look for safety know that bad security is a foremost threat.

The Third-party Developer Policy

Cook stated that as per the present Digital Markets Act (DMA) language, if one forces sideloading on an iPhone, it will put an end to the smartphone’s security and several other App Store privacy initiatives.

DMA is a European law, which intends to avert tech giants from dominating their position in the market. It concentrates on businesses with huge customer base—such as Google, Apple, and Amazon—which intends to make available their platforms for competitors. This will make it necessary for tech giants to permit their users to install software apps apart from the one available in their respective app store. The DMA law also intends to develop an unbiased business ecosystem for businesses and individuals who depend on online platforms, as well as a gigantic doorkeeper to provide their services in a single market.

Cook further stated that users’ privacy is of utmost value for us and hence, we always attempt and give our best to keep our ecosystem malware and virus free; because we know that as soon as virus starts accumulating, it becomes extremely troublesome to stop or control it. Privacy is considered as the important topic of concern in Apple systems and the company will at no time compromise on it no matter what. Cook mentioned that Apple does not plan to allow the sideloading of apps even in the future years and it will only permit its users to download the app from the Apple App Store.

About the Author(s)

   

Aishwarya Korgaonkar

Aishwarya Korgaonkar holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the esteemed Mumbai University. Being creative and artistic, she leaped into the field of digital marketing and content writing. Her love for words makes her write creative, and her spellbinding content adds colors to the world.