Installing applications on iOS devices through methods other than the official App Store is the action. This involves directly transferring and installing application packages onto a device, bypassing the standard review and distribution process managed by Apple. For example, a developer might use a development tool to install a beta version of an application directly onto a test iPhone.
This capability offers benefits such as access to applications not permitted on the official marketplace, allowing for greater flexibility in software distribution. It grants developers a means to test and distribute applications privately, and provides users with potentially innovative or niche software that may not meet the App Store’s guidelines. Historically, this process has been restricted to developers or users willing to navigate technical complexities, but changes in policy may affect its accessibility and impact on the overall iOS ecosystem.