Sideloading

What is Sideloading?

Sideloading refers to the process of installing and running software applications on a device from a source other than the official app store or marketplace associated with that device’s operating system. In other words, it involves installing apps from unofficial or third-party sources.

This practice is often used when users want to install apps that are not available on the official app store, or when they want to use modified or custom versions of apps. Sideloading is common on Android devices, where users can download and install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. Apple iOS users will soon  be able to sideload apps as well, with the passing of the DMA in Europe. By March 2024, sideloading would be implemented on all phones.

Sideloading can currently only be done on jailbroken iOS devices, which poses its own set of security risks.