Apple CEO Tim Cook continues to staunchly defend Apple's closed iOS ecosystem, saying that the app sideloading feature currently found in Android, PC, and MacOS will "destroy iPhone security."

In an interview with Brut, Cook expressed opposition to the European Commission's Digital Markets Act (DMA) bill. He stated that as it stands, it would "force sideloading on the iPhone."

Currently, the only official way to download iOS apps, aside from developers' Testflight programs, is the App Store. Now, with increased antitrust scrutiny and proposed EU legislation, the company may need to open up iOS to other app stores and make the iPhone more like an Android phone.

Cook claimed that Android has 47 times more malware than iOS. However, as Android Authority points out, it is unclear if this number is accurate.

The Apple CEO makes a valid point: the App Store's app review system helps protect iOS devices from fraudsters and malware. Privacy labels and blocking cross-app tracking are also a plus for users. Cook said these will go away unless users stick with Apple's ecosystem; the App Store is also properly curated to help users find useful and engaging software.

However, having an alternative iPhone app store could be great for users. As long as people carefully use antivirus software, turning iOS into a more open platform would help users get the most out of their iPhones. According to some advocates, they should be able to do almost anything they want to do with the device they own.

Even though both Apple and Google have removed Fortnite from their stores due to a disagreement with Epic Games, Android users can still sideload and play the world's biggest game.

Apple's current system also has workarounds. Google and Microsoft get around the App Store's unfair rules on game streaming by letting users install Stadia and Xbox cloud games as progressive web apps. Apple wants all games to be sold through the App Store. But xCloud and Stadia are streaming services like Netflix. After complaints, Apple relaxed the rules, but given the amount of games on each platform, this requirement is still too strict.

"Streaming games are allowed as long as they comply with all guidelines. For example, updates for each game must be submitted for review, and developers must provide appropriate metadata for search. Of course, there are also open Internet and web browser apps to reach all users outside of the App Store.

Web apps are not a perfect solution, but they are the only way to use Stadia and Xbox cloud gaming on iOS without jailbreaking the device.

Controlling the iOS app ecosystem has been important to Apple since the beginning of the App Store. The company has played whack-a-mole with jailbreakers for years, but some companies are fighting back. Cydia sued Apple last year for an alleged "illegal monopoly" on app distribution.

Apple faces other antitrust issues; a ruling in its court battle with Epic is pending. The publisher sued Apple last year on similar grounds as Cydia.

Regulators in the US and Europe are also setting their sights on Apple. Depending on the outcome of the lawsuits and antitrust investigations, it is quite possible that Apple will have to allow other app stores on iOS, which may not be as bad as Cook says.