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What is the equivalent/alternative to "TestFlight as eternal beta" in Android, how do you (or "people") get self-developed "bespoke" "home-cooked meal" software onto their Androids? It's easier than iOS? I am not familiar, I'm a web developer not a device developer.

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On Android, you can just download an .apk and install it (you need to change the "Allow insecure apps" setting). No code signing, app store, or corporate approval necessary. This is the #1 reason I will never be getting an iPhone (which is a shame, since iPhones are beautiful devices in almost every other way).

If you're not really worried about automatic updates, just e-mail them the app package, they can enable side-loading and install it.

It has a similar "beta" mechanism to TestFlight in the Play Store.

Alternatively, you can setup a private F-Droid repo and use the alternative F-Droid app "store" to distribute apps.

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