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AltStore Documentation

website·Indexed 38 days ago

https://faq.altstore.io

Guides and technical documentation for AltStore, including AltStore PAL (an alternative app marketplace for the EU, Japan, and Brazil) and AltStore Classic. Covers installation on Windows and macOS, AltServer configuration, sideloading apps, JIT enablement via AltJIT, and developer resources such as the REST API, AltSource CLI (Beta), and source creation.

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What's inside AltStore

  1. Overview of distributing apps with AltStore PAL

    Distributing apps with AltStore PAL is similar to submitting to the Apple App Store. Developers must use a paid Apple Developer account and submit apps through App Store Connect. Apps distributed via AltStore PAL are available in the EU, Japan, and Brazil. Developers do not need to be located in or have a business in these regions to distribute there.

  2. Overview of AltStore Patreon Integration

    AltStore allows developers to offer apps exclusively to Patreon supporters. When an app is marked as Patreon-only, AltStore authenticates the user with Patreon before allowing the download. If the user is not a patron, they are directed to the developer's Patreon page.

    Key behaviors:

    • Multiple apps can be assigned to a single Patreon campaign.
    • If a user's pledge expires, they lose the ability to refresh or update the app, causing it to expire after 7 days.
    • Developers can limit downloads to specific tiers by specifying a minimum pledge or exact tiers in the source JSON.
    • It is recommended to always provide a minimum pledge amount, as this value is displayed as the app's monthly price.

  4. Create an AltStore source JSON file

    To distribute apps via AltStore, you must host a JSON file containing metadata about your source and the apps it provides. This file acts as the source definition. For automated generation, the community tool AltPublisher is recommended.

  5. AltStore product overview

    AltStore is a third-party app store for iOS devices that enables users to sideload apps (.ipa files) not available on the official App Store without requiring a jailbreak. Key features include:

    • Sideloading .ipa files downloaded on the device
    • Managing third-party sources to browse and download apps
    • Background automatic app update checks

  6. Manage 3rd-party app sources in AltStore Classic

    AltStore Classic allows users to add and manage 3rd-party app sources via a dedicated Sources tab. Key capabilities include:

    • Previewing sources (viewing details, links, and featured apps) before adding them.
    • Remote blocking of malicious sources.
    • Support for localized titles, subtitles, and descriptions within sources.
    • Integration with Patreon for distributing exclusive apps to patrons.

  8. Implement AltStore PAL Source Collections and Social Web Support

    AltStore PAL 2.3 introduced Social Web Support and Source Collections to improve app discovery. Users can discover apps and sources via the explore page (https://explore.alt.store). Developers can opt-in to federate their sources to this page. The app supports signing in with Mastodon or Bluesky accounts to like items directly in-app. Additionally, the 'Add Source' screen now supports featured sources and specific collections such as 'Popular', 'Indie Gems', and 'Fediverse Favorites'.

  9. Create and publish an app source

    The final step to make apps available on AltStore PAL (version 2.2 or later) is to create a 'source'. A source is a JSON file containing information about the app(s). Once this JSON file is uploaded to the developer's server, users can add the URL to download the apps.

  10. Understand the role of AltServer in sideloading apps

    AltServer is a companion application installed on a computer that enables AltStore to sideload, refresh, activate, and deactivate apps on a connected device. It is required for the initial installation of AltStore. To maintain app functionality, AltStore must be on the same WiFi network as the computer running AltServer or connected via USB. If AltStore expires, it can be manually refreshed by re-installing it via AltServer without deleting the existing installation first. For optimal automatic app refreshing, AltServer should be configured to launch at computer startup and run in the background.

  11. Enable JIT for a specific app in AltStore Classic

    Once the pairing file is configured, you can launch apps with JIT enabled:

    For StikDebug (AltStore PAL):

    1. Open AltStore Classic.
    2. Long-press an app in 'My Apps'.
    3. Tap 'Enable JIT'.

    For StikJIT (AltStore Classic):

    1. Open StosVPN and tap 'Connect'.
    2. Open AltStore Classic.
    3. Long-press an app in 'My Apps'.
    4. Tap 'Enable JIT'.

  12. Set up Remote AltServer for computer-less sideloading

    AltStore Classic (v2.3+) supports Remote AltServer, which allows users to install, refresh, and activate/deactivate apps from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection without needing a computer. To begin setup, navigate to AltStore settings and tap 'Set up Remote AltServer'.