AltStore – Alternative App Store for iOS

Install Apps Outside the App Store with AltStore

AltStore provides iPhone and iPad users with an alternative method for installing applications outside Apple’s App Store, leveraging Apple’s own developer tools to sideload apps without requiring jailbreaking. This innovative project democratizes iOS app installation, enabling users to run applications that Apple won’t approve for their store while maintaining device security and stability.

The application works by exploiting the free tier of Apple’s developer program, which allows anyone to sign and install apps on their own devices. AltStore automates this process, handling the technical complexity of code signing, installation, and the required weekly refresh that Apple’s restrictions impose. For users wanting to run emulators, customized applications, or apps rejected from the App Store, AltStore provides a legitimate path forward.

How AltStore Works

Developer Account Sideloading

Apple allows anyone with an Apple ID to sign and install applications on their own devices, originally intended for developers testing their apps. AltStore leverages this capability for general use, signing apps with the user’s Apple ID credentials and installing them through iTunes/Finder protocols.

The process requires no jailbreak because it uses Apple’s official mechanisms. Apps installed through AltStore run within iOS’s normal security sandbox with standard restrictions. This legitimate approach maintains device warranty and security while enabling alternative app installation.

AltServer Companion

AltStore requires AltServer running on a Mac or Windows computer on the same local network. AltServer handles communication with Apple’s servers for code signing and manages the installation process. The computer and iOS device must connect to the same WiFi network for installation operations.

The companion application requirement reflects Apple’s restrictions on self-signing. AltServer acts as an intermediary that performs signing operations the iOS device cannot do independently. Once apps install, they run independently without requiring ongoing computer connection.

Refresh Requirements

Apps signed with free developer accounts expire after seven days, requiring re-signing to continue functioning. AltStore handles refresh automatically when the device and AltServer are on the same network. Background refresh keeps apps functional without manual intervention when properly configured.

The weekly refresh represents the primary limitation of free developer account sideloading. Users can alternatively obtain paid developer accounts that provide year-long signatures, eliminating refresh requirements at the cost of annual fees.

Featured Applications

Delta Emulator

Delta provides Nintendo game system emulation, playing NES, SNES, N64, GBA, and DS games on iOS devices. The emulator offers save states, controller support, and cloud sync through compatible services. Delta represents one of AltStore’s most popular applications, enabling gaming nostalgia on modern devices.

The emulator landscape shifted significantly with Apple allowing some emulators on the App Store in 2024, but Delta’s deep integration with AltStore’s features and its development history make it a flagship example of what AltStore enables.

Clip Clipboard Manager

Clip provides clipboard history functionality that Apple’s iOS lacks natively. The application maintains a searchable history of copied items, enabling recovery of previously copied text. Such utility applications demonstrate AltStore’s value beyond gaming.

Third-Party Sources

Beyond built-in applications, AltStore supports adding third-party sources providing additional applications. Developers can distribute apps through their own sources, expanding available software. This extensibility enables ecosystems beyond AltStore’s official offerings.

Installation Process

Computer Setup

Installation begins by downloading AltServer for Mac or Windows from the official website. The server application installs and runs in the menu bar or system tray. Initial setup requires signing in with an Apple ID that will sign installed applications.

iOS Installation

With AltServer running, the iOS device connects to the same network. Installing AltStore from AltServer places the AltStore application on the iOS device. The installation requires trusting the developer certificate in iOS Settings before first launch.

Ongoing Use

After initial installation, AltStore functions as a standalone app store on the iOS device. Browsing, installing, and managing applications happens through the AltStore interface. Refresh operations occur automatically when conditions permit.

AltStore PAL

European Alternative

The Digital Markets Act in the European Union requires Apple to permit alternative app stores. AltStore PAL represents a fully legitimate version for EU users that doesn’t require computer companion apps or weekly refresh. This version operates under Apple’s new regulations as an authorized alternative marketplace.

Notarization and Compliance

AltStore PAL apps undergo Apple’s notarization process, providing malware scanning and basic safety verification. The EU regulatory framework enables a more user-friendly experience than the traditional AltStore while maintaining security through notarization requirements.

Regional Availability

AltStore PAL is only available in European Union countries where the DMA applies. Users outside the EU continue using traditional AltStore with its computer requirements and refresh cycles. The regional limitation reflects Apple’s minimal compliance approach to the regulation.

Security Considerations

Apple ID Safety

AltStore requires Apple ID credentials for signing operations. The credentials transmit to Apple’s servers for authentication, not to AltStore’s infrastructure. However, users should understand they’re providing credentials to third-party software.

Creating a separate Apple ID for AltStore provides isolation from primary accounts. This approach limits potential impact if anything goes wrong while maintaining full AltStore functionality.

App Source Trust

Third-party sources vary in trustworthiness. Unlike the App Store’s review process, AltStore sources may distribute applications without security review. Users should evaluate source reputation before adding third-party repositories.

Built-in AltStore applications and the official source undergo more scrutiny than arbitrary third-party additions. The trust model resembles Android’s approach where users decide which sources to trust.

No Jailbreak Required

AltStore’s legitimate sideloading approach maintains iOS security protections. Apps run sandboxed without system-level access. The device remains in a supported state for Apple services and updates. This security preservation distinguishes AltStore from jailbreaking.

Limitations

Active App Limits

Free developer accounts can only have three active app IDs simultaneously. This limit restricts how many sideloaded applications can be installed at once. Users must choose which applications to keep active if they want more than three.

Paid developer accounts remove this limitation, enabling unlimited sideloaded applications. For users wanting extensive sideloading, the annual developer fee provides meaningful value.

Background Refresh Challenges

Automatic refresh requires both the computer running AltServer and the iOS device to be on the same network. Users who don’t regularly connect to home networks may face manual refresh requirements. Travel and network changes can disrupt automatic refresh.

Apple Restrictions

Apple has previously taken actions that temporarily broke AltStore functionality. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Apple’s restrictions and AltStore’s solutions creates occasional disruption. Users should expect periodic issues as Apple and AltStore developers adapt.

Comparison with Alternatives

TestFlight

Apple’s TestFlight provides official beta testing distribution. However, TestFlight requires developer invitation and limits app availability. AltStore enables installing any compatible application rather than requiring developer participation.

Enterprise Certificates

Some services use enterprise certificates for app distribution. These certificates frequently get revoked by Apple, causing installed apps to stop working. AltStore’s personal certificate approach provides more reliability despite refresh requirements.

Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking removes iOS restrictions more completely than AltStore. However, jailbreaking requires exploits that may not exist for current iOS versions, voids warranty implications, and can introduce security vulnerabilities. AltStore provides meaningful capability expansion within Apple’s supported framework.

Community and Development

Open Development

AltStore’s development occurs openly with community engagement. The project welcomes contributions and maintains active communication with users. This openness builds trust and enables community participation in the project’s direction.

Patreon Support

Development funding comes partially through Patreon subscriptions. Supporters receive early access to beta versions and exclusive applications. The sustainable funding model supports continued development and maintenance.

AltStore represents a practical solution for iOS users wanting software freedom without jailbreaking complexity. For running emulators, installing rejected applications, or simply exploring outside Apple’s walled garden, AltStore provides the most accessible path for mainstream users. The EU’s AltStore PAL further demonstrates how regulatory pressure can improve user choice on locked-down platforms.