Apple CEO Tim Cook said during a live chat at the VivaTech 2021 conference in Paris that Android has more malware than iOS. 

Cook also said that “sideloading” mobile apps were not in the “best interests of users.” 

Android has the capability to sideload apps which means users do not have to download apps going via the official Google Play Route. 

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Users can use apps on any Android device either by downloading the APK file from the web or use third-party app stores. This has led to many malware attacks on Android devices from nefarious apps that usually avoid the Google Play Route. 

Cook believes that forcing sideloading apps on iOS just like Android would destroy the security and privacy of the iOS platform. 

He was asked about the proposed European law, known as Digital Markets Act (DMA) that is looking to prevent big tech companies from monopolising their position in the market. 

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Cook also pointed out that Android has “47 times more malware” than Apple devices because iOS has been designed in a way where all apps are reviewed via the App Store before going live. 

“As I look at the tech regulation that's being discussed, I think there are good parts of it, and then I think there are parts of it that are not in the best interests of the user,” Cook said during the interview.

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Cooks said the new DMA law will force Apple to let users side-load apps on the iPhone which will destroy many privacy features and initiatives of the App Store. 

The new law focuses on Google, Amazon and Apple to open up its platforms for competitors. The law also wants to build a fair business environment for enterprises and individuals who are currently dependent on big tech companies gatekeeping their services in the market. 

If the new law gets enacted, it could act as a basis for countries like India and other large markets to seek openness from online tech giants like Google, Apple and Amazon. 

It is worthy to point out that opening up the iOS platform would result in security and malware issues similar to what users face on Android today. 

It is highly unlikely Apple will open up its walled garden at the moment however this new law by the European Union might change that. 

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