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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 5 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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m463 ◴[31 Aug 25 05:39 UTC] No.45080628[source]▶
"sideloading" connotates something that is negative.

On systems before apple's locked-down iphone, it was just called "installing".

The PC revolution started with people just inserting their software into the comptuer and running it. You didn't have to ask the computer manufacturer or the OS vendor permission to do it.

And note that apple doesn't allow you to protect yourself. You cannot install a firewall and block arbitrary software on your phone. For example, you can not block apple telemetry.

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mystraline ◴[31 Aug 25 12:30 UTC] No.45082687[source]▶
1. I buy computer hardware, like an iPhone

2. I try to install my own software.

3. I'm prevented in installing my software on my device without "permission" from manufacturer.

4. Therefore, I do not own said hardware; manufacturer still does.

5. Therefore this is a indefinite rental instead of a sale.

6. I was defrauded with a fake sale, and Apple is defrauding IRS by not being properly taxed over millions of rental units (phones, tablets)

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spike021 ◴[31 Aug 25 14:29 UTC] No.45083400[source]▶
I fail to see the difference between this and many other normal parts of life.

Want to renovate and change your home that you own? You need permitting and not all changes are allowed. But you own the home and land so why do you need permitting?

Say you want to modify your car that you own, again depending on the modification that's technically not allowed either (an aerodynamic wing in a place like Japan, for instance, can't be certain dimensions; but if you own the car you should be able to do what you want with it).

Maybe none of these types of things should be beholden to someone holding the reins of the thing you own but it's not like Apple not allowing sideloading is some wholly unique problem.

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1. galleywest200 ◴[31 Aug 25 14:53 UTC] No.45083602[source]▶
In all of these cases the law is what is requiring compliance here, not the manufacturer.

If there was a law requiring apps to be approved by someone first then your argument would be valid, but I do not think such a law exists (at least in my country).

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2. wredcoll ◴[31 Aug 25 15:36 UTC] No.45084008[source]▶
This is actually a really good point.

While complying with a regulation vs a business requirement may feel like the same thing in practice, there is at least an avenue to change the regulation via, you know, democracy.

3. eldaisfish ◴[31 Aug 25 15:51 UTC] No.45084119[source]▶
when you modify your car, the manufacturer will often claim that parts of your warranty are void. That's not the legal system imposing limits.
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4. immibis ◴[31 Aug 25 17:08 UTC] No.45084840[source]▶
But you're allowed to void your warranty. You don't have to have a warranty. It's not a real limit.
5. aduty ◴[31 Aug 25 18:14 UTC] No.45085486[source]▶
Yeah, but the manufacturer can't have some Pinkertons go to your house and murder your wife, sons and dogs over it either. You just have financial responsibility for whatever it voids.