[doiwin]

I know about them. But I would have to root my phone to install them. And that means trusting some binary blob from someone on the internet. So I would not do it.

[pricechild]

On iOS maybe, but there's no problem installing 3rd party app stores on Android without rooting. See for example F-Droid.

Recent versions of Android have also improved the permissions model... you can specify what apps (e.g. F-Droid) are allowed to install other apps. You don't need to add a blanket allow forever.

[daniel-s]

Not true on Android, you just need to download and install F-Droid; a free software app store.

[djsumdog]

True, but it's still a terrible user experience for the average person.

[Hasnep]

Why would you have to root your phone? On my Android phone I just go into the settings app to enable third party appstores.

[AnIdiotOnTheNet]

You don't need to root your phone to sideload on Android... at least I've never encountered an Android device where that was true.