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Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

(shkspr.mobi)
205 points ColinWright | 1 comments | 30 Aug 25 12:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | 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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layer8 ◴[31 Aug 25 16:27 UTC] No.45084416[source]▶
> Therefore this is a indefinite rental instead of a sale.

It’s not indefinite, because the vendor won’t support the hardware indefinitely. It’s also not a rental, because you are free to resell the hardware.

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1. iaaan ◴[31 Aug 25 17:48 UTC] No.45085214[source]▶
Devil's advocate: it seems similar to reassigning a lease if you want out before it ends. Lease reassignment is a common clause in rental agreements, it sounds like Apple simply allows you to reassign your indefinite device rental, unlike, for example, Tesla.