The installation of applications on iOS devices through methods other than the official App Store is termed alternative application installation. This process typically involves obtaining an application package from a source outside of Apple’s curated marketplace and manually installing it onto an iPhone or iPad. A common example includes installing a beta version of an application directly from a developer or utilizing an enterprise distribution certificate for internal business applications.
The significance of alternative application installation lies in its potential to bypass the restrictions and quality control measures implemented by the App Store. Historically, this capability has allowed developers to test and distribute applications without undergoing the formal App Store review process. It can also enable users to access applications that might not meet Apple’s guidelines or are region-locked, offering increased flexibility and control over their device’s software. However, this approach also introduces potential security risks due to the lack of vetting that the App Store provides.