Among other reasons, Apple devices are highly valued by their users for the high level of security they offer. The best example is the protection against the installation of third-party applications, since it only allows the installation of those found in the App Store. However, for a few years we have had an effective and safe alternative: AltStore.
AltStore has become a great alternative for those looking for applications for their iPhone or iPad outside of the official Apple store. In this post we will try to explain what it is and how it works, in addition to all the advantages it offers us.
What is AltStore?
AltStore appeared at the end of 2019 as a set of utilities developed by Riley Testut for users of iOS and iPadOS devices. In principle, it was an idea that allowed the use of limited sideloading of applications that had not been approved by Apple for distribution through its online store.
In this short period of time, Altstore has become a alternative app store for iOS. What it offers us is the possibility of avoiding the restrictions imposed by Apple for the distribution of programs outside its official channel, the App Store.
There are other similar stores, but which can only be accessed and installed as a jailbreak user. But jailbreaking can be tricky and even risky if you don't have some technical knowledge. In addition, it is a process that has other implications that are not the point of commenting here.
The good news is that resorting to jailbreaking is not necessary in the case of AltStore. The reason is that in this case the software does not work through enterprise certificates, but instead it is Apple itself that provides the gateway, a trick to install applications developed by the users themselves. It is a legal, safe and trustworthy resource to be able to use alternative apps on our iPhone.
Advantages of AltStore
These are the most outstanding features of AltStore, which make it such a highly recommended option:
- It's free.
- Apps are only installed or updated via Wi-Fi (software updates are automatic).
- Its interface is very simple and easy to use.
- Allows you to install retro console emulators without restrictions.
- It also allows you to install software not supported in the App Store such as adult content, gambling, spyware, etc.
- It is legal, since its operation is part of Apple's installation policies.
- It is a completely safe option. Our Apple ID is sent directly to the official servers, without going through intermediaries.
Still, there are certain limitations that you have to know
- It is only possible to have 3 apps installed at the same time.
- If we remove AltStore from our mobile phone, the installed applications will stop working.
- All applications expire after one year. Afterwards, you have to reinstall them with another ID.
How to install AltStore on iOS
Before going into the matter and explaining the installation process of AltStore on our device, it is necessary to specify that there are two types of software:
- AltStore for mobile devices such as iPhone or iPad.
- altServer for desktop computers. Not only Mac, it also works for a Windows PC.
In any case, the corresponding software must always be downloaded from the official page. It is true that they can be found on other pages, but only in this way will we have the guarantee and peace of mind that we will not have unpleasant surprises.
Next, we explain the method to follow for its installation depending on the operating system we use:
On macOS
On the official AltStore page we find the option to download AltServer for macOS (it is only compatible on systems 10.14.4 onwards). After downloading, you have to copy the app file in our Applications folder and follow the following steps:
- We open the downloaded program and we connect our iOS device (iPhone or iPad) to the computer.
- We accept the permits until we reach the section "Install AltStore".
- Then select the connected device and we enter our Apple ID email and password.
- The last step consists of install a plugin in mail following the steps on the screen.
If you encounter any issues during the installation process, it's best to update iTunes and iCloud and try again.
On windows
In this case, first you have to go to the AltStore page to download the desktop version of the software for Windows (important: only offers compatibility with Windows 10). In the download file, we click on the zip file. to open the installation wizard:
- To start the installation, first we run the program with administrator permissions.
- After We connect our mobile to the computer.
- Now, we open iTunes and we activate the Wi-Fi synchronization.
- In the ALtServer Notifications tab, we select the option "Install AltStore", entering our Apple ID password and our email.