Is it possible to allow sideloading and keep users safe?

"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.

Yes and called viruses, dozens of toolbars on your computer, key loggers, malware, ransomware, etc.

If you want an open phone, buy one. But I instruct all of the older members of my family to buy iPhones and iPads.

I’ve been programming computers since 1986 and even I have never said it would be cool to side load on my phone.

I have bought one. The problem is that all the good hardware is locked down because of people like you.

All of the services I need to operate my buisness (such as my banking app) are also locked down to locked down OSes thanks to the silent majority and viewers like you.

What bank doesn’t allow you to access them from a website? If your bank doesn’t allow access from a website on your computer then you made a choice to use a hostile bank.