Hi, I'm thinking about what's better for everyday life. At the moment, I rely predominantly on Apt, but I have to admit that I also find Flathub really cool and notice that its applications are much more up-to-date. Will this be the future? What do you think is better?
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Apt is generally preferable to flatpaks, as apt packages are better integrated into the system and run more smoothly. If you need or want to use the latest version with the newest functions of a certain software, it is usually only available as a flatpak.
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I use .DEB packages. No Flatpaks or snaps. I prefer to keep my Zorin install as clean as possible. Simplifies package management. Plus, I like working in the terminal. I learn more about Linux that way. I do wish Linux as a whole would come up with an universal packaging format that's better than Flatpak, Snap, and Appimages, or at least just agree on something that works offline in the same way that .exe files on Windows do. Yes, I know Appimages work offline, but they don't integrate well into system installs. Be good to have something that can work offline and is easy to install/uninstall while maintaining good system-wide integration.
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When You like both, simply use both. I use both of them, too. Of Course there are some Points about Flatpak: Because it runs containerized, that can cause Issues because of limited Permissions. There You would need a Program called ''Flatseal'' with that You can set up this.
Another Point is Theming. You have to adjust that a Flatpak is visible in Your chosen Theme. It works with the zorin default Themes automatically. But when You use a third-party Theme, you would have to adjust that or they are lookinf a bit different. If it not annoys You, okay. If it does, You have to do it.
Flatpaks bring there own Dependencies with it which leads to the Behavior that a Download can take a bit longer and it needs more Disk Space. But when You have one Dependency that several Programs need, it will only downlad once and then be shared.
With APT Packages these Things are more simplier. Do I think this is the Future? No. But it will be that, what it is now: a Possibility to install a Program over Distro Borders. Do I think it is better? No, I think it is a different Alternative - especially when You want or need a newer Version of a Program.
So, in my Opinion it isn't Flatpak or APT. It is simply both: Flatpak and APT.
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And always remember to check contents of any tar balls before installing (covered in the Unofficial Manual). Sadly zen browser on Zorin means I have to download there App Image whereas on PCLOS Debian I can install via Synaptic Package Manager. I have removed gnome-software (Software) and mainly rely on Synaptic Package Manager. Zorin is not my daily driver, I onky have it to help on the forum. My primary OS is PCLOS Debian (Plasma), and secondary Q4OS (Debian Plasma).