Apple is very well-known for its pretty fantastic App Store. Things are vetted and everything works well and probably won’t steal your information and give you a virus. But with being so locked down you are limited to what Apple decides to offer you.
As someone with an Android phone and an iPad, I don’t really see the problem. It’s a good store that’s more limited than the Google Play Store, but one that is safer and typically free from junk software. But it seems like the Apple App Store won’t be the only store available for iOS users.
Developer Riley Testut says it’s possible to bypass the restrictions that Apple has without needing to jailbreak your mobile device. Launching what he calls the AltStore, Testut says his store works by tricking your Apple device into thinking that you are a developer who is sideloading an application for testing purpose, thus giving you full access.
Testut claims that there is very little that Apple can do to shut down the store other than closing down individual accounts, something that would be difficult. Depending on how the AltStore handles accounts Apple might not ever be able to see usage numbers on how many apps are being sideloaded for developer use.
While the store isn’t open just yet for everyone, it is in preview mode with a full launch scheduled for September 28th. The store will be free to use but if you support the developer through his Patreon you’ll be able to install more apps not available through the store.
The store open Saturday and I expect to be writing another article when Apple sues Testut for something come next week. God speed good sir.
About Author
