At a Glance
When most iPhone or Android smartphone users think about installing a new app on their handset, they either visit the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store, respectively. However, there are users out there who install apps either by sideloading or downloading them from a third-party app store.
While there are legitimate third-party app stores (such as the stores run by Epic Games and Samsung), many third-party app stores or other app sources are not so well known or reliable and it can be dangerous to install apps from these third-party sources.
What Are Third-Party App Stores?
Third-party app stores can take the form of an app, website, or marketplace that offers a wide variety of apps that can’t usually be found in the mainstream iOS App Store or Google Play Store. The apps have many times been banned from the official app stores, have been modified from their app store-approved form, or have never been submitted to the official app stores.
Unfortunately, while many of these apps allow users to do more than might be allowed in an app store-approved version of the app, they can also include dangerous code that can install malware on the device, or even take control of the device and monitor your activities on the device.
Why Do Users Install Apps From Third-Party App Stores?
There are several reasons iPhone and Android users would install and use apps sourced from outside of the official app stores. These can include:
- Apps are often free: The apps could be offered in a free version by the original developers or the app could be available for a price in the approved app stores, but have been modified to provide full features without requiring a fee. Even when a fee is charged for an app the price may be lower, as the developer isn’t required to pay a commission like they do in official app stores.
- Anonymity: Many third-party app stores don’t require customers to create a user account or provide any personal information before downloading apps.
- Get around geographic restrictions: Some apps are available in one region of the globe but are not available in other regions. Unofficial app stores do not usually place these types of restrictions on apps.
- Download pirated versions of apps: Third-party app stores are popular spots to download pirated versions of apps that give full access to the apps features.
- More variety: Third-party app stores will often offer apps that are not available via official app stores. For example, third-party app stores offering iPhone apps became quite popular during the first year of the iPhone’s existence, as Apple did not offer an official app store for the first year after the original iPhone’s release.
Why Do Developers Offer Their Apps in Third-Party App Stores?
Developers make their apps available on third-party app stores for a variety of reasons, including:
- To get a bigger cut of the action: Developers must pay 30% of what they receive when users buy their apps. By using a third-party app store, developers can pay less in fees or no fees at all.
- To access a larger user base: While the iOS and Android app stores serve all users of their devices, they sometimes limit accessibility of the apps to certain areas of the globe. Third-party app stores often don’t have such restrictions.
- Avoid censorship: Official app stores often place restrictions on the content in the apps offered in their stores. Third-party app stores don’t usually have these types of restrictions. For example, developers of “mature” apps that may contain content of a sexual nature will offer these apps in third-party stores, due to official app stores’ restrictions on adult content.
- To test new features: Developers may wish to test new or updated features before offering them in official app stores. By offering them in third-party app stores, they can test their apps with a smaller group of users before going into wide release.
What Are the Dangers of Third-Party Apps?
A lot of users are unaware of the potential dangers associated with installing apps from third-party app stores.
Many times, bad actors will create their own app stores in an attempt to distribute malicious software, such as viruses and malware. In some cases, the bad guys will offer counterfeit versions of popular apps, containing hidden trackers, keyboard monitors, and other types of malicious code.
No matter whether or not a third-party app store has malicious intentions, they usually do not provide the level of protection official app stores do. They likely do not vet the apps to the extent official stores do, nor do they scan them for viruses and malware.
Third-party apps may also provide access to sensitive data. Plus, don’t expect third-party app stores to provide any privacy protections, meaning that any data you might share with the app store could potentially be sold or shared with third parties without your consent.
How to Protect Yourself While Using a Third-Party App Store
If you do decide to download and install apps from a third-party app store, be sure to take measures to protect yourself, your data, and your privacy.
Research the source of any app that you’re planning on downloading, as some third-party stores may not be legitimate.
First off, carefully research any third-party app store you’re considering downloading apps from. Stick to app stores that have a good track record, like the F-Droid app store or the XDA Labs app store. Carefully read an app’s reviews before installing it. Look for reports of any suspicious or malicious behavior on the part of the app. Download apps only from trusted sources.
Make sure to take care on what types of permissions you bestow to apps downloaded from third-party app stores (or from official app stores, for that matter).
When available, make sure to turn on multi-factor authentication for any accounts used in these unofficial app stores.
Last, but certainly not least, it is important to keep your antivirus and anti-malware software updated. Be sure to scan any apps that you download from unofficial app stores. Scanners can detect malicious code, protecting your device from potential danger.
In Closing
Whether or not you choose to use third-party app stores and apps is your call, all I can do is attempt to provide the information you need to make an informed decision.
Whatever you decide, make sure to practice safe computing. Keep your device, as well as your device’s virus and malware protection updated.
If you do need to access certain apps that are not available in the official app stores, make sure to play it safe, doing careful research about the app store, as well as the app developers.
While it is possible to safely download apps from some third-party app stores, be aware of any possible consequences and take the measures needed to protect you and your device from malicious software.