In 2020, Apple released its first 5G iPhone. The first computers with the M1 chip and an Apple Silicon processor instead of the Intel chips were introduced to the computer market.
This transition, which should take two years, will allow Cupertino to have more control over its hardware. At the same time, the technologies used by Apple’s silicon chips, which are based on Arm’s architecture, enable Apple to offer more efficient machines with better energy efficiency.
IPhone and iPad applications launched on Macs (with one condition)
At the same time, Apple is converging its platforms. Thanks to the M1 chip, the new Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air, which launched in the last quarter of 2020, share the same architecture as the iPhone and iPad.
As a result, Apple has indicated that these new computers can launch iOS applications as if they were native applications. However, for an iOS app to be available in the Mac App Store, it must be approved by the developer. In other words, newer Macs can launch any iOS app just fine. However, developer consent is required to access an app.
Apple decided to prevent pages from loading
Even if an iOS app isn’t officially available on the Mac App Store, some users have found an unofficial way to install it using a technique called a sideloading. But obviously Apple didn’t like what it would have recently blocked apps installed using this technology.
Currently, according to the 9to5Mac website, when trying to install an iPhone or iPad application that is not available on the Mac App Store, an error message appears stating that it is not possible to install because the The app developer didn’t expect it to run on Macs.
Welcome to the world of non-free (as in language) software: Apple blocks M1 Mac users from sideloading iPhone and iPad applications – 9to5Mac https://t.co/rLfr27Sv9n pic.twitter.com/E1CUnevoJ0
– Christine Hall (@BrideOfLinux) January 17, 2021
This isn’t a big surprise to The Verge site, although macOS users are used to fewer restrictions than the iPhone or iPad. By blocking these installations, Apple only respects the decisions of developers who do not want their mobile apps to be used on computers. In addition, MacOS betas had already indicated that this blocking was planned.
Respect for the developer’s choice
In any case, Apple would benefit if as many iPhone or iPad applications as possible were also available on MacBooks. In addition to performance and battery life, the support of mobile apps is one of the advantages of the Apple silicon chips compared to Intel chips.
It should be noted that for the transition, Apple has planned an emulation technology called Rosetta 2, which will allow applications created for Intel chips to be launched on computers with Apple silicon chips.
We expect Macs by 2021
Otherwise, rumors are already circulating about the next Macs that Apple will bring out in 2021. Accordingly, the Cupertino company should bring new Apple silicon processors to the market that are more efficient than the M1 chip. On the design side, Apple could say goodbye to the Touch Bar. On the flip side, the MagSafe connector could make a comeback to computers after its comeback on the iPhone.
But of course these are still just rumors. Therefore caution is advised.
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 256 GB
