For years, iPhone and iPad users have lamented the lack of native support for common archive formats like RAR and 7-Zip. While Android users have long enjoyed the convenience of opening these files without third-party apps, iOS users have had to rely on workarounds or paid apps. But that’s all about to change, thanks to an unexpected source: Microsoft.
Microsoft recently announced that its popular open-source library, libarchive, will be integrated into iOS 17. This means that iPhones and iPads will soon be able to natively open RAR, 7-Zip, and a variety of other archive formats, just like Android devices. This move is a significant win for iOS users, finally bringing a basic functionality that has been strangely absent for years.
Why has this taken so long?
Apple’s walled garden approach to its ecosystem has often been cited as a reason for the delayed adoption of features readily available on Android. While Apple prioritizes a curated app experience and security, it sometimes comes at the cost of basic functionalities that users have come to expect. The reliance on third-party apps for archive support has been a long-standing gripe among iOS users, especially those who frequently deal with compressed files.
Microsoft to the Rescue
Microsoft’s libarchive is a powerful and versatile library that supports a wide range of archive formats. Its integration into iOS 17 is a testament to the growing influence of open-source software in the Apple ecosystem. This move not only benefits iOS users but also strengthens the libarchive project, potentially leading to further improvements and wider adoption.
What does this mean for iOS users?
- Convenience: No more hunting for and installing third-party apps just to open a compressed file.
- Seamless Integration: Archive files can be opened directly in the Files app, just like any other file type.
- Improved Workflow: Easier access to compressed files can streamline workflows, especially for those who frequently share or receive archives.
- Cost Savings: Users may no longer need to purchase paid apps for archive support.
Beyond RAR and 7-Zip
While the headlines focus on RAR and 7-Zip, libarchive brings support for a wide array of formats, including:
- tar
- gzip
- bzip2
- xz
- zip
- cpio
- ISO9660
This expanded support makes iOS a more versatile platform for handling various types of compressed files.
A Look at libarchive
Libarchive is a powerful open-source library that provides a cross-platform API for reading and writing various archive formats. It’s designed to be portable, efficient, and secure, making it an ideal choice for integration into operating systems like iOS.
Key features of libarchive:
- Multi-format support: Handles a wide range of archive formats, including those popular on both Unix-like systems and Windows.
- Streaming API: Allows for efficient processing of large archives without loading the entire file into memory.
- Encryption support: Can handle encrypted archives, providing an added layer of security.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Works seamlessly across different operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Windows, and now iOS.
The Impact on Third-Party Apps
The integration of libarchive into iOS raises questions about the future of third-party archive management apps. While some may see this as a threat, it could also be an opportunity. Developers can now leverage libarchive to build more advanced features and focus on specialized use cases, such as cloud integration, advanced compression algorithms, or secure file sharing.
A Welcome Change
The addition of native support for RAR, 7-Zip, and other archive formats is a welcome change for iOS users. It brings a long-awaited functionality to the platform, making it more versatile and user-friendly. Microsoft’s contribution to this improvement highlights the importance of open-source software in driving innovation and enhancing user experiences.
My Personal Take
As someone who frequently switches between iOS and Android devices, the lack of native archive support on iOS has always been a minor annoyance. I often found myself having to email compressed files to myself to open them on my Android phone. This new update will definitely streamline my workflow and eliminate those unnecessary steps. I’m also excited to see how third-party developers leverage libarchive to build even more powerful archive management tools.
This move by Apple signals a potential shift towards embracing more open standards and collaborating with the open-source community. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and what other long-awaited features might finally make their way to iOS.
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