Apple CEO Tim Cook Says Android Has 47 Times More Malware Than iOS, Sideloading Will Destroy iPhone Security

Cook, however, declined to provide any details about Apple's upcoming products.

Advertisement
By Edited by Gadgets 360 Newsdesk | Updated: 17 June 2021 13:36 IST
Highlights
  • Apple CEO Tim Cook was speaking virtually at the VivaTech 2021 conference
  • Cook talked about problems the iPhone may face due to EU's proposed DMA
  • Cook said sideloading apps may not be in "best interests of the user"
Apple CEO Tim Cook Says Android Has 47 Times More Malware Than iOS, Sideloading Will Destroy iPhone Security

Cook said that "all of the apps are reviewed" before going to the App Store

Apple CEO Tim Cook said during a live chat that Android has more malware than iOS and “sideloading” mobile apps were not in the “best interests of users.” If Apple was forced to allow sideloading apps, as Android does, it would destroy the security and privacy of the iOS platform, he said, while speaking virtually at the VivaTech 2021 conference in Paris, France, on June 16. Asked about the proposed European law, known as Digital Markets Act (DMA), that aims to prevent the big tech companies from monopolising their position in the market, Cook signalled Apple's opposition to it, as it would force the tech giant to allow users to install software outside of the App Store.

Cook also claimed that Android has “47 times more malware” than Apple because the iOS has been designed in such a way that there's one app store and “all of the apps are reviewed” before going to the store.

Watch the video below to find out what else Cook had to say:

Sideloading apps means manually installing software from the Internet instead of doing it through an app store.

Advertisement

“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.

Cook said the current language of the DMA, which will force sideloading on the iPhone, would “destroy the security” of the smartphone and many of the privacy initiatives of the App Store.

Advertisement

DMA focusses on companies with a large customer base – like Apple, Google, and Amazon – and wants them to open up their platforms to competitors. The proposed law also aims to build a fairer business environment for enterprises and individuals who depend on big “gatekeeper” online platforms to offer their services in a single market.

If enacted, this legislation can become a basis for other countries with large consumer bases to also seek more openness from online tech giants.

Advertisement

During the 30-minute session, Cook declined to provide any details about Apple's upcoming products, and only said that there's always “something up our sleeve.”


We dive into all things WWDC — iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8 and more — this week on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.
 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Oppo Reno 14 5G Series Launching Today: All You Need to Know
  2. Vivo X200 FE Tipped to Launch in India on This Date
  3. Lumio Arc 5, Arc 7 Projectors to Launch in India on July 7
  4. Best Camera Smartphones Under Rs. 30,000 (July 2025): See Full List
  5. Apple's Foldable iPhone Could Launch in Second Half of 2026: Report
  6. Alienware Area-51, Aurora Desktops Refreshed in India: Price, Features
  7. Meta's Next-Gen Smart Glasses May Have a Wristband, Built-in Mini Game
  1. Oppo Reno 14 5G Series Launching Today: Know Price, Expected Features and Specifications
  2. Virginia Tech Engineers Craft Durable, Self‑Repairing, and Recyclable PCBs
  3. Newly Detected Seaborgium-257 Offers Critical Data on Fission and Quantum Shell Effects
  4. NASA CODEX Telescope on ISS Reveals Hidden Secrets of the Sun’s Corona
  5. Rocket Lab Sets Record with 'Symphony in the Stars' Launch for Confidential Client
  6. FireSat Protoflight Satellite to Scan Earth Every 20 Minutes for Early Wildfire Detection
  7. Blue Origin Sends 750th Human to Space in Landmark Suborbital Flight from Texas
  8. My Oxford Year OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it American Romance Drama Online?
  9. Moonwalk OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch Malayalam Musical Drama Online?
  10. Maa OTT Release Date Reportedly Revealed: When and Where to Watch Kajol Starrer Movie Online After Theatrical Run?
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.