As much as sideloading is a strange term, it is one that most people understand. If someone were to search for information about this specific topic, they would search for “sideloading”, not whatever alternative we come up with, regardless of how “accurate” it is
IIRC, the term predates Android, and was originally coined to refer to installing non-apple applications on the original iPhone. At the time, this could only be done via cable. So, as distinct from “downloading” from the app store to the device, it does make a certain kind of sense. It’s been accepted into the vernacular with a slightly warped meaning, but that’s language for you.
As much as sideloading is a strange term, it is one that most people understand. If someone were to search for information about this specific topic, they would search for “sideloading”, not whatever alternative we come up with, regardless of how “accurate” it is
IIRC, the term predates Android, and was originally coined to refer to installing non-apple applications on the original iPhone. At the time, this could only be done via cable. So, as distinct from “downloading” from the app store to the device, it does make a certain kind of sense. It’s been accepted into the vernacular with a slightly warped meaning, but that’s language for you.