Android has allowed sideloading forever and those apps are a very strong minority. As for sidestepping privacy or security requirements, I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Isn’t permission handling happening at the OS level?
The App Store requires developers to indicate what personal data is tracked, even before you download the app. Similarly, they prevent the listing of scam apps at all.
There are so many scam apps in the AppStore today. So many apps have slot machine style mechanics that get people addicted and convince them to pay for more turns. In addition, a bunch of kid-friendly apps have really short subscription periods (a day?) At a high price (say $3.99).
It’s not to say that App Review has no value, but when it comes to scams that separate people from their money, Apple has 30% of a reason to look the other way
You’re not wrong (and I’m personally in favor of side loading), but this point is somewhat disingenuous. One scenario involves bypassing a reportable restriction aside deliberate negligence while the other involves inherently zero oversight or accountability. It’s not even close which approach is safer for the consumer.
I’ve been happy with F-droid on Android, since it’s open source apps with no subscriptions or ads. Very nice compared to the play store and Apple store, which seems like is either filled with ads or pushing subscriptions.
I’m not looking forward to popular apps forcing you to sideload them so that they can bypass Apple’s privacy and security requirements.
Android has allowed sideloading forever and those apps are a very strong minority. As for sidestepping privacy or security requirements, I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Isn’t permission handling happening at the OS level?
The App Store requires developers to indicate what personal data is tracked, even before you download the app. Similarly, they prevent the listing of scam apps at all.
Sideloading apps will have no such protection.
There are so many scam apps in the AppStore today. So many apps have slot machine style mechanics that get people addicted and convince them to pay for more turns. In addition, a bunch of kid-friendly apps have really short subscription periods (a day?) At a high price (say $3.99).
It’s not to say that App Review has no value, but when it comes to scams that separate people from their money, Apple has 30% of a reason to look the other way
You’re not wrong (and I’m personally in favor of side loading), but this point is somewhat disingenuous. One scenario involves bypassing a reportable restriction aside deliberate negligence while the other involves inherently zero oversight or accountability. It’s not even close which approach is safer for the consumer.
I’ve been happy with F-droid on Android, since it’s open source apps with no subscriptions or ads. Very nice compared to the play store and Apple store, which seems like is either filled with ads or pushing subscriptions.
I would love an f-droid equivalent for iOS.
Might even be F-droid for iOS