Installing applications on iOS devices outside of the official App Store is a process known as sideloading. This involves acquiring an application package file, typically in the form of an .ipa file, and installing it onto an iPhone or iPad using methods that bypass Apple’s standard distribution channels. An example would be installing a beta version of an application directly from the developer, rather than through TestFlight or the App Store.
The ability to install software in this manner offers several advantages. It provides access to applications that may not meet the App Store’s guidelines, are region-locked, or are still under development. Historically, this capability has allowed developers greater flexibility in testing and distributing their software. For users, it enables exploration of alternative applications and features not readily available through the standard ecosystem.