AltStore

AltStore is a set of utilities developed by Riley Testut to allow users of iOS and iPadOS devices to employ limited sideloading of apps that have not been approved by Apple for distribution through their online App Store.

Description
AltStore exploits a loophole in the Xcode platform, which allows developers to sideload their own apps which they are working on without needing to resort to jailbreaking. However, Testut understands and still supports Apple's rationale against sideloading and opposes legislation to force companies to allow it. The AltServer utility for macOS can be used to first install the AltStore app from a Mac to an iOS or iPadOS device to assist in the sideloading process. Sideloaded apps are signed like a developer project for testing and will expire after 7 days, by which they will need to be refreshed or reinstalled.

History
Testut first began work on what became AltStore after Apple declined to allow his Delta emulator on the App Store. Since Xcode allowed him to temporarily install Delta to his iOS device for 7 days of testing, he created AltStore in 2019 to replicate this functionality, which could be extended to other  files. By 2022, AltStore had been downloaded 1.5 million times. Testut hired Shane Gill to assist in documentation and developer support. Users are encouraged to support the project by donating through their page.