But, situation is not that comfy with ChromeOS. If we need to side-load an .apk, we have to enable developer mode (which means powerwash) thereby Google explicitly making it an Anti-feature.
Interestingly, android 10 on mobile allows direct install/update from FDroid making it no different from Playstore. Now why this double stand when it comes to side-loading android apps in ChromeOS vs Android? The obvious statement would regarding security and that's exactly what Apple uses to prevent side-loading apps.
Now coming back to Apple, it has been allowing side-loading .ipa onto iOS devices(Although not as easy as in android) and it has also removed the need for $99 developer license which was needed earlier to side-load .ipa!
So, the line between android vs iOS w.r.t side-loading apps is getting thinner at least w.r.t ChromeOS.