A big reason for alternative app stores is to allow apps that do not comply with app store rules though. Think emulators for instance. Or any other of the long list of arbitrary app store rules.
Isn’t there a push by some legislators in some countries for Apple to allow alternative app stores on iOS devices in the near future? That might have something to do with this perhaps ...
And with alternative app stores you continue to have the choice of only using Apple's App Store, where Apple would hopefully continue to check each app.
None of these require allowing alternative app stores. Just allowing more apps in. You don’t have to use these apps, and theres nothing inherently insecure about it.
Hypothetically speaking, what would you see as the downside of Apple allowing users to install alternate app stores?
Presumably almost every user would just use Apple's app store and be satisfied with that, but for everyone else they'd be able to use their iPhone with much more freedom.
I was thinking about the same thing, but it can (and will) create a situation where each big Corp will have its own store with its apps unavailable on the Appstore obviously.
What is their aim by having an alternate app store? Maybe make the manufacturers install it by default as a system app with all the permissions enabled by default? It'd be pretty easy to have a control over what people are seeing or using if so. It's just guess work but I wouldn't be surprised if this is the idea.
Mmmmm.... I think that could be pretty easily solved by simply allowing other app stores or something like that. That way maybe people can have the best of both worlds. (Also, preferably, the setting to allow other app stores would not be hidden behind a ton of menus).
There’s currently a lot of pressure for Apple to allow alternative app stores or sideloading.
That means more choice, but can also weaken the protections for users. Alternative stores will likely have more loose policies for what apps/behavior they accept.
I think Apple's policy is mainly aimed at preventing competing app stores. You see them having a conniption every time someone submits an app that includes an alternate app store. And while I don't particularly like their policy, they have every right to implement it in order to protect their revenue.
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