How to Distribute a Mobile Application in 2025? Native, PWA, Sideloading and Alternative Stores

The distribution of a mobile application depends on several factors: the type of application (native, hybrid, or full web), the target audience, and the business objectives. Here are the main distribution methods:

1. Distribution via Official Stores (App Store and Google Play)

👉 For native and hybrid applications

The Apple (App Store) and Google (Google Play) stores are the most common channels and offer wide visibility.

✅ Advantages:

• Direct access to millions of users.

• Integrated payment systems (Apple Pay, Google Pay, in-app subscriptions).

• User security and trust.

• Automatic updates and push notifications.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Strict validation (especially at Apple).

• Sales commissions (generally 30%, reduced to 15% under certain conditions).

• Dependency on store rules.

Variants:

• App Clips (iOS) / Instant Apps (Android): Allow using part of the app without complete installation.

• TestFlight (iOS) / Google Play Beta Testing: To distribute beta versions before release.

2. Distribution via Alternative Stores

👉 For Android only (officially)

Outside of Google Play, several platforms allow distributing Android apps:

• Amazon Appstore (used primarily for Fire devices).

• Samsung Galaxy Store (for Samsung devices).

• Huawei AppGallery (alternative after the US embargo).

• APKPure, Aptoide (less regulated but sometimes risky).

✅ Advantages:

• Fewer restrictions than Apple and Google Play.

• Reduced or no fees.

• Alternative monetisation opportunities.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Less visibility and user traffic.

• Security risk (less controlled app stores).

• Sometimes requires specific integrations.

3. Direct Distribution via a Website (Sideloading)

👉 Mainly for Android, more complicated on iOS

Developers can offer direct download of an APK (Android Package) file on their website.

✅ Advantages:

• No commission on sales.

• Full control over distribution.

• Ability to update without relying on stores.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Less visibility than stores.

• Security issues (requires enabling "unknown sources" on Android).

• Harder to establish user trust.

Specific Case: iOS

• Impossible to offer a direct download of an iOS app (IPA) without going through the App Store, except via enterprise certificates (see next section).

4. Distribution via the Enterprise Program (B2B - iOS & Android)

👉 For internal business applications

• Apple Developer Enterprise Program: Allows distribution of an application without going through the App Store, but only to employees of a company.

• Managed Google Play Store: Allows companies to distribute private apps to their employees via a Google Workspace.

✅ Advantages:

• No need for App Store validation.

• Ideal for internal business apps.

❌ Disadvantages:

• Strict approval process at Apple.

• Risk of certificate revocation if Apple detects abuse (e.g., disguised public distribution).

5. Progressive Web App (PWA): The Full Web Alternative

👉 For applications accessible directly via a browser

A PWA (Progressive Web App) is a web application that functions like a native app:

• Installation on the home screen.

• Offline capabilities.

• Push notifications (limited support on iOS).

✅ Advantages:

• No need for validation by Apple or Google.

• Instant deployment, no need for updates via a store.

• Works on all operating systems (Android, iOS, desktop).

❌ Disadvantages:

• Limited access to phone hardware (Bluetooth, advanced sensors…).

• Less visibility than a native app.

• Experience sometimes inferior to native applications.

⚠️ Major limitation on iOS: Apple restricts certain features of PWAs (e.g., no push notifications on iOS before iOS 16.4).

Conclusion: Which method to choose?

• General public? → Official stores (App Store, Google Play).

• Niche Android market? → Alternative stores or direct APK.

• Internal business? → Enterprise Program.

• Speed and flexibility? → PWA.

📌 If possible, combine multiple approaches!
Example: a PWA for the web + a native app on the stores to reach the maximum number of users.