Sideloading Restrictions: The Battle for Control of Your Devices

The debate around sideloading on Android and iOS continues. Google's recent tightening of Android's sideloading restrictions has sparked controversy. The article argues the core issue isn't whether users can run any code on their own hardware, but rather the manufacturers' control over the operating system, not the hardware itself. Apple serves as a case study: iOS's tight integration with hardware is key to its success; forcing changes would undermine the iPhone. The real focus should be on the ability to install and run alternative operating systems on one's hardware—e.g., running Android on an iPhone. Manufacturers should be legally required to provide necessary technical support and documentation to facilitate the development of alternative operating systems.