BETA YOURSELF
SIDELOADING
The EU wants Apple to let us install apps from outside of the official channels… digs into why that’s good, and how you can already sideload on iOS and Android today
Craig Grannell
THE BASICS
■ Get onside
In the context of mobile, sideloading means installing apps from outside of an app store – like you’ve been able to do on PCs and Macs forever. Apple argues this is a security threat. But sideloading allows you to dodge lock-in and install apps and games that Apple and Google won’t have on their stores.
■ Sniff your sources
Apple’s anti-sideloading stance is hyperbolic, but contains nuggets of truth: nefarious types can throw installers packed full of malware onto the internet. Before using any sideloading resource, do your research and find out whether it’s reputable and safe.