Apple’s policy of disallowing sideloading and third-party app stores on its platform has always been controversial, but the EU’s digital market law allows the company to allow sideloading and third-party stores for app installation. may be forced to open up ecosystems that
Sideloading allows you to download and install apps from third-party sources. This is one of the biggest reasons why some people prefer Android over his iOS.
However, since the release of iOS 13 in 2019, it’s now possible to sideload apps onto iOS/iPadOS devices, with some limitations.
What is sideloading?
Sideloading is the process of installing applications on mobile devices from sources other than official app stores. To do this, download the app from a third-party app store or website and install it manually.
There are many reasons why you might want to sideload an app. For example, you can install older versions of iOS apps that are no longer available, or install emulators that aren’t allowed in the App Store. Additionally, sideloading gives you more control over your device as it allows you to strictly control the source from which apps are installed.
Why we need a 3rd party app store like AltStore
AltStore is a free app store that lets you sideload apps onto your iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking. It is a trusted source for app sideloading, offering a wide variety of apps including emulators, virtual machine software, and other apps that may not be available in the App Store.
You can also sideload the app from your own source using the IPA file. An IPA file is a file format in which iOS/iPadOS apps are packaged.
AltStore compiles apps locally on your device and signs them with your Apple ID certificate as if you developed them yourself. However, AltStore also has some limitations. For example, you can only have 5 apps installed at once, unless you have a paid Apple developer account that costs $99/year.
How to install AltStore on your iPhone or iPad
You can install AltStore on your iOS or iPadOS device by following these steps:
- Download and install AltServer on your Mac or PC.
- Connect your device to your computer via a Lightning cable that supports data transfer.
- Enable Wi-Fi Sync in iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
- Start AltServer on your computer and click . Install AltStore > iPhone (or iPad) From the app’s icon in the menu bar on macOS or the system tray on Windows.
- AltServer will prompt you for your Apple ID credentials to authenticate your account with Apple. If you value your privacy, you can create a burner his account for this purpose.
- If you’re using a Mac, AltServer will ask you to install the Mail plugin. Enter your Mac password when prompted. To enable it, go to: Email > Settings Click from the menu bar, Manage plugins It’s at the bottom of the window.Then check the following boxes AltPlugin.mailbundle.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to: Settings > General > VPN and Device Managementselect your Apple ID, and tap trust Allows AltStore to run on the device.
AltStore appears on the home screen. Tap it to launch the app.
How to install an app from AltStore source
Once AltStore is open, you can install apps from trusted sources by following these steps:
- under Browse Tap a section to source of information It’s in the upper right corner.
- Tap addition You can access all AltStore approved apps by clicking next to All Sources here.
- Here you can download and install the app of your choice. Browse app section.
After installation, on the home screen or my app A section of the AltStore app.
How to install an IPA file using AltStore
Installing apps exclusively from AltStore’s repositories can be a bit restrictive. AltStore therefore also allows you to sideload your own IPA files. These files can be downloaded from the Internet and installed by following these steps:
When downloading an IPA file, it’s important to ensure that it’s from a trusted source. Bypassing App Store and AltStore security regulations, you can accidentally install malware if you’re not careful.
- Download the IPA file from a trusted source using Safari or any other browser and File app.
- Go to. my app A section of AltStore.
- Tap. Plus (+) By clicking the icon in the upper left corner, File apps on your device.
- Browse to and select the IPA file to install.
- Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.
After a few seconds, the app will appear on your home screen.
Break free from App Store restrictions
Sideloading is a great way to get apps that aren’t available on the App Store, giving you more freedom in terms of app types. Sideload emulators to play classic games from other platforms on your iPhone.
You can also sideload modified or customized apps to provide additional functionality. Get the most out of AltStore and install apps you couldn’t install before.