It may have some method of doing so, but Testut says he’s not sure it would be easy for Apple to do so without also removing the ability for DIY developers, schools, and other organizations that rely on that foundational iOS infrastructure to build test apps and software for internal use. That doesn’t mean Apple can’t shut it down. Yet instead of just letting you install random app files, it installs an entire app store capable of distributing its own secondary software.ĪltStore works by tricking Apple into thinking you’ve developed the app yourself In that sense, it works very much like the existing Cydia Impactor tool for installing iOS application files. (Beta software using TestFlight or the enterprise program function differently.) AltStore also uses iTunes Wi-Fi sync to ensure the app refreshes weekly, to avoid being forcibly removed from your device after seven days in accordance with how apps not installed through the App Store function on iOS. That said, once the software is on your phone, it’s indistinguishable from software you’ve developed yourself, compiled in Xcode, and installed on your own device, Testut says. That requires you also input your Apple ID with an app-specific password, which can be generated online from Apple’s dedicated Apple ID management portal.

It does involve installing the companion AltServer application on your Mac or Windows PC, plugging in your iOS device, and manually installing the AltStore software on the phone or tablet.

Apps installed this way normally expire after 7 days (unless you’re an Apple developer), but AltStore will automatically refresh them for you in the background whenever it’s on the same WiFi as AltServer.- Riles ‍♂️ September 25, 2019

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