The act of installing TikTok on an iOS device through methods other than the official Apple App Store is termed sideloading. This process generally involves utilizing third-party app stores or developer tools to bypass the standard app distribution channels approved by Apple. An example would be installing a modified version of TikTok using Xcode or a service like AltStore.
Sideloading applications offers users access to software not readily available through the official store, potentially including early versions of apps, custom builds, or applications that violate Apple’s guidelines. It provides a degree of freedom and customization not typically permitted within the walled garden of the iOS ecosystem. Historically, sideloading has been a common practice for developers testing applications and for users seeking features or content unavailable in officially sanctioned versions.