Apple has added a feature to the second beta of macOS Big Sur 11.2 integrated, which is intended to prevent the sideloading of iOS apps. The feature has now been activated - interestingly, this also applies to older macOS versions.
As most of you know, M1 Mac devices can run iOS or iPadOS applications. These can be downloaded from the Mac App Store if developers actively consent. But there was a way that allowed downloading without active developer consent. However, this no longer seems to be possible. Apple has enabled the feature built into macOS Big Sur 11.2 on the server side. This means that in the future, users will only be able to download approved iPhone and iPad apps to M1-based Macs. Apps like Netflix and Instagram are not available in the Mac App Store, so users cannot use them on M1 Macs. The change does not affect apps already downloaded or installed, but will prevent future apps from being installed. The server-side change will prevent new apps from being sideloaded, eliminating any possibility of legitimate app installation.
iOS apps on M1 Mac: Users can ask developers for approval
According to 9to5Mac regards The change affects the APIs surrounding the digital rights management protection mechanisms of the App Store software. Accordingly, the feature also works in earlier macOS versions. The server-side change makes it possible. macOS Big Sur 11.2 only contains an error message that is intended to provide clarity. It reads:
This application cannot be installed because the developer did not intend it to run on this platform.
Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store are not affected and will continue to work. If users want to run a specific iOS application on the M1 Mac but it is not available in the Mac App Store, they must contact the respective developer and ask for approval. However, it is up to the app provider whether they will agree to this. (Image: Apple)