The practice of installing applications on iOS devices without using the official App Store is accomplished through a method involving the direct transfer and installation of application packages. This circumvents the standard review and distribution processes mandated by Apple. For example, a developer might distribute a beta version of an application to a select group of testers without it being available on the App Store.
Circumventing the official distribution channels can provide developers with greater control over application distribution, enabling them to offer specialized features or target niche audiences. It also facilitates rapid testing and feedback cycles, bypassing the potentially lengthy App Store approval process. Historically, this practice has been crucial for enterprise deployments and for distributing internal-use applications.
