You do not need a dev account.

The process to sideloading on iOS requires you to use something like AltStore and self-sign the app package (IPA) with your own Apple ID.

The signature is valid for 7 days and you can do it with up to 10 apps.

Normally you need a computer in the network with a server that communicates with the sideloading client on the device to perform the signatures, however there are workarounds to do this all on device too (just needs internet access).

Does this suck? Yes. But the reality is, I hadn't have had the need to use it. There are (mostly) niche reasons you'd do this (JIT emulation, modded apps, unapproved apps).

But to be real here, to most people this just isn't worth it. There are emulators on the App Store now too, so what's left there aren't things most people need.

Is there a bigger argument to be made here on how the need is also silenced by NOT having it easily accessible? Yes. But, do keep in mind, most people don't bother on Android today already anyway.

I thought it's only possible through “alternative app marketplaces” on top of all that?

Alternative app marketplaces exist, but they still have to pay apple per install, every dev needs to be registered with apple, and so on.

Na, it's a no-go if you need a phone right now. We're a few years out.

But, Motorola did announce their partnership with GrapheneOS on the official Motorola blog: https://motorolanews.com/motorola-three-new-b2b-solutions-at-mwc-2026/

Together, Motorola and the GrapheneOS Foundation will work to strengthen smartphone security and collaborate on future devices engineered with GrapheneOS compatibility. ... In the coming months, Motorola and the GrapheneOS Foundation will continue to collaborate on joint research, software enhancements, and new security capabilities, with more details and solutions to roll out as the partnership evolves.

I actually did need a phone replacement a month ago and I went with Fairphone for now. Trying to spread out the power, instead of concentrating it.

No. It hasn't even been announced. There has just been mass speculation stemming from some AI-generated blog post.