Sideloading: Difference between revisions

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'''Sideloading''' is the act of ~~downloading mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores~~. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps ~~had to~~ be downloaded ~~via the Google Play Store~~. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.

'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer. For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework. They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.

On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, do not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow sideloading. [[Apple App Store]] creates a monopoly in the market, letting them censor what programs may do. Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation.

Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

[[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]]. Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref> It is unclear that moving to a single authority for trust will improve user experience on Android devices.

==References==

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-'''Sideloading''' is the act of downloading mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps had to be downloaded via the Google Play Store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.
+'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer.  For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework.  They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.
-On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, do not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.
+On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow sideloading.  [[Apple App Store]] creates a monopoly in the market, letting them censor what programs may do.  Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation.
+Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.
+[[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].  Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref>  It is unclear that moving to a single authority for trust will improve user experience on Android devices.
 ==References==