Alternative stores on iOS have an overwhelming advantage over Android stores. The one that changes everything
Installing apps not from the App Store is safe, very safe. This is the key to differentiating yourself from alternative Android stores.
Yesterday was a historic day on iOS. With the advent of AltStore PAL, the stage begins where we can finally install alternative app stores on the iPhone. AltStore welcomes all independent open source application developers.
Although this possibility is being considered, you may want to consider is it safe or not Install both alternative app stores and apps downloaded from them. Apple itself warns us about this, although according to the company’s support page, the process is completely safe.
Very far from “SpotifyPremium.APK”
For years, the magic of Android was based on APK files: easy to install any application, more or less legally, on our mobile phone. On the other hand, this remains one of the big security holes in Android: anyone can install apps without knowing their origin.
Android is freedom. And freedom implies certain responsibilities (and knowledge)
Although the system warns us is it possible to install malware which, with the appropriate permissions, can completely control the system. The case of fake DHL messages was quite famous: an SMS that led to the installation of an APK. In the case of Android phones, they were infected with an application that could completely control the system. in the case of iOS this was not possible. The big difference with alternative stores in the App Store lies precisely in this point.
Apple makes it clear: every app published on alternative app markets. sent for certification to Apple. This process refers to verification that applies to all applications, regardless of their distribution channel.
“Notarization helps ensure that apps do not contain malware, viruses or other known security risks, that they work as promised, and that they do not expose users to fraud.”
In other words, the iPhone does not allow the installation of any applications that have not been notarized: they may have more or less advertising, be more or less aggressive in collecting user data, but in any case. will be free from malware (unless Apple misses something during the verification process).
Despite this, there are many steps required to install app stores on iPhone. First, go to the store page itself and click the download button.
Subsequently the system will inform us that By default, iPhone settings do not allow this type of installation.. You will need to go to settings to authorize the app store.
After authorization, we go through new filters: the first one again allows the installation of the store, notifying in advance that the developer may have access to our data. This is the first authorization, that is, iOS settings.
After, third permission required: We have to allow the website to install the app store on our iPhone. And finally, once we have a store, we will need to authorize every app we install. This is a somewhat tedious process at first, but it prevents us from accidentally installing absolutely anything.
It remains to be seen how the public will accept Main thread this new mechanic. Warnings are a deterrent, and historically the average iOS user hasn’t bothered to look for apps outside of the App Store because there aren’t any. Only time will tell if alternative stores will mean a change in the way we consume apps.
Image | Unblast + Xataka
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