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by Phrodo_00 838 days ago
> Publishing a Chrome browser extension more-or-less requires being a customer of the Chrome Web Store

Emphasis on more-or-less, though. You can use Chrome developer mode (which is NOT a paid option and doesn't require an account) to import extensions from files. You can't do that in iOS. That's Epic's point.
2 comments
dwaite 838 days ago
Do you think this is a viable distribution model for web extensions, e.g. an alternative to the Chrome Web Store?
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fennecbutt 837 days ago
Of course it could be better, so why doesn't Apple show us all what really streamlined and well implemented third party app store support looks like?
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kohbo 838 days ago
I think the point is that an alternative installation method is already provided in the browser
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cute_boi 838 days ago
Yes, for user like me. I checked most of the extension I use. They directly come from github, and I generally don't update extension, so there is no fear of some sketchy website buying the extension company.
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paulmd 838 days ago
you don't need a developer account to sideload an app on ios, and it wouldn't change anything legally if you did (feature tiering is legal)

another classic example of android users who don't understand the things they're talking about. go on, tell me more about how "you can't copy and paste between applications in ios" or "there's not even a file browser" please.

(now, still not being able to figure out a calculator app on ipad? that's a fair one lol)

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Zambyte 838 days ago
I didn't believe you so I looked it up, and this[0] is what I found

> AltStore then signs the application with your Apple ID so the app can run. You'll need to trust the developer certificate in your device settings, but when you do, any apps that you install through AltStore will work... for seven days. Apple has put several restrictions in place to make the process as difficult as possible, but the developer managed to work around those restrictions. As the clock nears closer to the end of the seven-day period, AltStore will refresh the signing key on the app so that you can get an extra seven days of usage. This can also run in the background.

> AltStore makes use of a feature Apple introduced that lets you install *up to three apps* for free using your Apple ID.

> However, AltStore relies on a computer on the same network running AltServer, so you'll need both iTunes and iCloud installed on that device. [...]

Is this seriously what you're talking about? Because after reading that I still don't believe you can install apps on iOS without Apples splash of iHoly Water TM.

[0] https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-sideload-apps-iphone-a...

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