AltStore, an alternative to the Apple AppStore

Want to try an alternative app store to the App Store on your iPhone? There are different alternatives, but the one we are going to talk about on this occasion uses your Apple ID. It is AltStorean alternative store that published in 2019 and which, for now, still works. Of course, we warn you that you will need your computer -Mac or Windows- to perform the installation.

Unlike the Android operating system, in which it is possible to install applications outside of Google Play and installing APK files is much easier, on the iPhone it is quite complicated. However, AltStore is really an alternative to the official Apple App Store since it will allow you to use applications that you will not find anywhere else.

What is AltStore

In 2019, this alternative to the Apple App Store was created by Ridley Testut. In AltStore there is room for all apps which due to Apple policy have no place in the official store. That’s it a way for developers to release apps that are in the testing or final stages before being released to the App Store.

Plus, everything you find in AltStore is free. Also, you won’t have to jailbreak your iPhone or anything like that: just follow the steps we’ll talk about later and you’ll have it installed on both your iPhone and iPad. On the other hand, one of the great advantages of AltStore is that it allows you to install applications from IPA files -the APK counterparts on iOS/iPadOS-. You will therefore have more additional advantages, although AltStore also has its limitations which we will discuss later.

Install AltStore on iPhone or iPad

As we told you, you will need a computer. AltStore is compatible with computers running Windows 10 and later, as well as macOS 10.14.4 or later. Therefore, the first thing will be to download the software that corresponds to our computer:

AltServer for macOS

Alt Server for Windows

Installing AltServer on MacOS

Now is the time to install AltServer on your MacOS so that you can then use AltStore on your Apple device -iPhone or iPad-. And to do so, follow the steps below:

• Find the file you downloaded on the official AltStore page
• when you find it, copy it to the ‘Applications’ folder of your Mac and start it by pinching on it
• Now you must Enable iPhone/iPad Wi-Fi Sync in iTunes or Finderdepending on the version of MacOS you are using
• Now go to the Mac menu bar, click on the AltServer icon and select the option to install AltStore.
• Now you need to install a Mail plugin. A pop-up message should appear, but if not, click on the program menu -AltServer- and look for the option install mail plugin
• NOW enter your email passwordenter mail preferences, enter “Manage add-ons” and check the ‘mailbundle’ option
• Now accept and restart mail. Going back to the AltServer app should start installing AltStore on your Apple mobile device.

Installing AltServer on Windows

Meanwhile, AltServer is also compatible with Windows –computers with at least Windows 10 installed-. And the procedure in this case is different from the previous option and you will not need to install any additional mail plugin. The steps to follow are:

• When you download the file, you will see that it is a compressed ZIP file. Unzip it and run the setup.exe file
• Once installed, connect your iPhone/iPad to the computer and open iTunes. Activate the option ‘Synchronize via Wi-Fi with the device’
• Now in the bottom menu bar, look for the AltServer iconclick on it, choose the option ‘Install AltStore’ and select your device
• The installation will start after a few seconds
• AltServer should inform you that AltStore has been successfully installed on your computer

AltStore already installed on your iPhone or iPad, now what?

Once you’ve installed the AltStore alternative app store, it’s time to use it. Likewise, we advise you that even if you used the computer to install it on the mobile device, you should not uninstall AltServer from it; you must renew permits every 7 days be able to continue using downloaded applications. And for that you will need the computer.

To be able to give permissions, you just have to go to Settings>General>VPN and device management and give permissions to the corresponding application.

On the other hand, you will also have a limit of applications installed with this method: 3 applications installed by counting AltStore. SO, use is limited to 2 new apps per device. Also, one of the best parts of AltStore is the ability to uninstall apps using IPA files. By searching the Internet for the files -and always making sure the download is from trusted sites-, just enter AltStore, click on the ‘+’ symbol and the downloaded files will appear that you can install on your computer.

Some interesting apps with IPA files to install on your iPhone or iPad

Now we will leaves you with links to IPA files some applications that we find interesting and which, of course, you will not be able to access officially; i.e. through the Apple App Store.

• GBA4IOS: an emulator for the famous portable game console from Nintendo Game Boy
• iFile: one of file managers most famous for iOS
• Fortnite for iOS: you will find here all seasons up to version 13.40before it was removed from the app store
• PopCorn: platform for watch series, movies and anime
• DolphiniOS: another famous emulator for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo GameCube Games

Here are some IPA-formatted apps that you can add to your iPhone or iPad using AltStore installed on it. Also, if you think there are more interesting applications that we should know about, do not hesitate to write to us through our comments and suggest which are your essential applications and tell us why.