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Sideloading — the process of installing third-party apps from outside a native app store — is an option that Android users have had for a while, with little to no resistance from the OS or limitations as to where the app is downloaded. In some cases, it’s a draw for those who want to be able to pick and choose the apps on their device. One of the disadvantages of using an Apple product is how difficult it has been to sideload software on iOS. After opening the floodgates last month, the tech giant is making a few more changes to its sideloading restrictions to comply with legislation in the European Union (EU).
Apple is finally making it easy for iPhone users to sideload apps
Android loses one of its biggest advantages over iOS in the EU this March
If openness is a priority, Android has always been the better option when compared to iOS. Aside from aesthetic differences like the ability to apply icon packs or change your home screen app, the biggest factor here has been that Android allows sideloading third-party apps with minimal effort, while iPhones have always required you to jump through hoops to install apps from outside the App Store. That is finally changing soon — at least for iPhone users in the European Union.
Apps are an integral part of any operating system, and keeping them updated is of the utmost importance. Updates bring new features and fix stability and security issues. If you turn on automatic updates in the Google Play Store, you don't need to worry about keeping apps up-to-date. However, if you want to update an app using something other than the Play Store or need an older version of an app, you have options.
How to download Android apps without the Google Play Store
Who needs Google Play when you have APK Mirror?
Getting Android apps without using the official Google Play Store can be a mixed bag, depending on where you get your apps. While Android lets you install any app you want, you must be cautious about where these files come from. Also, some popular devices, like the best Amazon Fire tablets, aren't preinstalled with the Google Play Store.
Microsoft engineer: Windows 11 will let you sideload Android apps
We don't know if it will be easy or hard, but installing apps outside Amazon's Appstore will be possible
Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 update brings a whole world of Android apps to your desktop computer, but there's a catch: The app store you'll be using is Amazon's. If the lackluster selection and the house of Bezos's business practices leave you preferring an alternative, an engineer at Microsoft has confirmed on Twitter that customers will also be able to sideload apps onto Windows 11, installing things they like from their own sources.
You may be aware of Google's Advanced Protection Program, which allows customers to opt-in on additional security protections and restrictions for their Google account, like a forced two-factor hardware security key requirement without fallbacks, and reduced account access for third-party apps. In addition to enhanced security, it also comes with other recent perks. According to details revealed in a recent teardown by 9to5Google, the Advanced Protection Program may expand to blocking apps from being installed from outside the Play Store.
If you happen to own a Samsung Captivate, HTC Aria, or HTC Inspire 4G, then the dream of many, many Android owners on AT&T is about to be yours - the ability to legitimately sideload apps. AT&T lifted its sideloading-barrier on the newly released Samsung Infuse 4G, and naturally, the question arose: What about older Android devices? Now we have our answer.
It's shaping up to be quite a day for AT&T users, isn't it? First the Infuse 4G announcement, and now even bigger news: it appears that the aforementioned device also allows apps to be sideloaded! As you may remember, AT&T has blocked sideloading since its first Android device - the Motorola Backflip. Sure, there have been ways around that restriction, but it's a simple service that all Android users should be allowed to enjoy.