How to Sideload Apps on Your iPhone Without Jailbreaking It
Apple’s policy to not allow sideloading and third-party app stores on its platforms has always been controversial, but the EU’s Digital Markets Act may force the company to open up its ecosystem to allow sideloading and third-party stores for installing apps.
Sideloading allows you to download and install apps from third-party sources and is one of the biggest reasons some people prefer Android to iOS.
However, since the release of iOS 13 in 2019, it has been possible to sideload apps on your iOS/iPadOS devices, albeit with some limitations.
What Is Sideloading?
Sideloading is the process of installing an application on a mobile device from a source other than the official app store. This can be done by downloading the app from a third-party app store or a website and installing it manually.
There are many reasons why you may want to sideload apps. For example, you caninstall an older version of an iOS appthat’s not available anymore or install emulators that are not allowed on the App Store. Additionally, sideloading gives you more control over your device as it’s possible to strictly control the sources from where you are installing apps.
Why You Need a Third-Party App Store Like AltStore
AltStore is a free app store that allows you to sideload apps on your iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking them. It’s a trusted source for sideloading apps, and it offers a wide variety of apps, including emulators, virtual machine software, and other apps that might not be available on the App Store.
You can also sideload apps from your own sources using an IPA file, which is the file format in which iOS/iPadOS apps are packaged.
AltStore compiles apps on your device locally and signs them using your Apple ID certificate as if you developed them yourself. But there are also some restrictions with AltStore; for example, you’re able to only install up to five apps at a time unless you have a paid Apple developer account that costs $99 annually.
How to Install AltStore on Your iPhone or iPad
You can follow these steps to install AltStore on your iOS or iPadOS device:
AltStore will now appear on the Home Screen. Tap on it to launch the app.
How to Install Apps From AltStore’s Sources
Upon opening AltStore, you can install apps from trusted sources by following these steps:
After installation, you’ll be able to find the app on your Home Screen or in theMy Appssection of the AltStore app.
How to Install IPA Files Using AltStore
Installing apps only from AltStore’s repositories can become a bit restrictive. Thus, AltStore also allows you to sideload your own IPA files, which can be downloaded and installed from the internet by following these steps:
When downloading IPA files, it’s important to make sure they’re from a trusted source. Since you’re bypassing the App Store’s and AltStore’s security provisions, you can accidentally install malware if you’re not careful.
After a few seconds, the app will now appear on your Home Screen.
Break Free From the Restrictions of the App Store
Sideloading is a great way to get apps that are not available on the App Store and gives you more freedom in terms of app variety. it’s possible to sideload emulators, which allow you to play classic games from other platforms on your iPhone.
you’re able to also sideload apps that have been modified or customized, which can give you additional features or functionality. So, make the most of AltStore and install apps you couldn’t before.
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