Computing has come a long way from its simple, open beginnings. There was a time when computers, formerly known as computers, were accessible toolswhere any user could run programs, share them freely and even modify them to their liking.
However, as technology has advanced, the landscape has become more complex, and devices like the iPhone have imposed restrictions that limit users’ control over their own devices. This trend, exemplified by the absolute dominance and monopoly of the App Store In terms of applications, it raises troubling questions about the future of computing.
The closed era of the App Store
When Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, the device arrived completely closed. There were no third-party applications, and although Steve Jobs mentioned that the future could include external software, this did not happen. A year later, the lApp Store legacy revolutionized the industry, creating an application gallery that made it easy for users to download and purchase software with a simplicity and convenience never seen before.
Despite its success, the App Store’s exclusive distribution model brought with it complete control from Apple over which apps can be used and how developers should interact with the platform. Restrictions not only limit the freedom of users, but also force developers to follow strict rulesmaking them, in many cases, indirect employees of Apple.
The Mac changes everything and is the future
In contrast, the Mac offers a different, more balanced vision of what the future of computing could be. Although Apple also launched an exclusive App Store for the Mac, the macOS operating system retains the flexibility that differentiates it from the closed approach of iOS.
In the Mac ecosystem, developers have the freedom to distribute their applications outside of the official store. To ensure security, Apple implemented a system of “notarized” applications, which go through a automated verification without needing to adhere to restrictive App Store rules. Additionally, users still have the ability to run unnotarized software, albeit with stricter security warnings in recent versions of the operating system.
This multi-tiered structure allows Apple to strike a middle ground between security and flexibility, ensuring that users can choose how to use their devices without fully compromising protection against threats such as malware.
The European Union is going after Apple
Although Apple has promised to maintain this “openness” on the Mac, not everything is perfect. The latest versions of macOS have made the execution difficult of non-notarized applications, forcing users to go through complicated processes to run them. These barriers, although justified as security measures, could be the first steps towards greater control.
The fear that Apple could shut down Mac software in the future is real, but for now, it remains a haven for those who value computing freedom. Meanwhile, The European Union has begun to demand Apple to allow external applications on the iPhone, using a system inspired by Mac notarization. However, these measures are still far from replicating the flexibility that macOS offers.
The contrast between the iPhone and the Mac reflects the dilemma between innovation and control. While the App Store limits freedom, the Mac offers a balance between security and flexibility. Its more open model could ensure a future where computing empowers users, as long as Apple maintains its commitment to creativity and accessibility.
