Comment by Tim Cook

Here in Washington and elsewhere, policymakers are taking steps, in the name of competition, that would force Apple to let apps onto iPhone that circumvent the App Store through a process called sideloading. That means data-hungry companies would be able to avoid our privacy rules, and once again track our users against their will. It would also potentially give bad actors a way around the comprehensive security protections we’ve put in place, putting them in direct contact with our users. [...] Proponents of these regulations argue that no harm would be done by simply giving people a choice. But taking away a more secure option will leave users with less choice, not more. [...] But if we are forced to let unvetted apps onto iPhone, the unintended consequences will be profound.