[IshKebab]

Of course! If they made independent software distribution impossible at the same time as introducing the store there would be an enormous backlash.

The strategy is to introduce the store and slowly make independent distribution more and more onerous, using security as justification. When people complain you can say "just put your app in the store and you won't need to worry about signin/notarisation/etc."

Apple are doing exactly the same thing.