

True, most side-loaded apps have an automatic update process, but that likely requires some background item, and frankly, I rarely find they work well. App Store Benefitsīoth the App Store and Play Store provide numerous user benefits over side-loading.ġ. You’re likely familiar with the concept of a third-party app store if you use Setapp on your Mac or Steam on your Windows PC. The main difference between iOS and Android is that Android allows a process called “side-loading.” This is where a user can download an app from a source outside the Play Store, such as from the internet or another app store. Meanwhile, the “Play Store” is the app marketplace managed by Google and comes available by default on all Android devices. For this piece, I’m focusing on the App Store available on iOS and iPadOS, specifically.

Mind you, there are not the same app offerings between all platforms.

The App Store is Apple’s app marketplace available on all of the company’s operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS. Here are some facts you likely already know.
