@APL80 That’s a really good question, and one that comes up often.
Mudita Kompakt isn’t meant to be a “traditional” smartphone, even though it has the technical ability to sideload apps. We like to call it a minimalist E Ink Phone 
The operating system was designed from the ground up to stay minimal, distraction-free, and purposeful. There’s no app store, no push notifications, and no endless feed-style apps.
Yes, technically you can sideload apps, but the experience is very different from Android or iOS. It’s not about entertainment or scrolling. Most people who sideload choose practical tools (like a podcast app or a specific messaging app) rather than things that encourage overuse.
Personally, I’ve found that the phone itself encourages you to be on it less, not more. The E Ink screen, the slower refresh, and the lack of addictive design patterns all work together to keep you present. Even with sideloaded apps, it’s not the kind of device you’ll be glued to.
If your goal is to be on your phone as little as possible, Mudita Kompakt is designed with that in mind. The sideloading option is there for flexibility, but you’re in full control of how simple or feature-rich you want your device to be.
Check out this thread where our community members debate the topic