14 votes

Altstore.io - A third party App Store for iOS

9 comments

  1. moocow1452
    Link
    Altstore uses the ability for iPhones to sync up to a private app respository for Enterprise and Education purposes, so that a third party App Store can be installed on your device without...

    Altstore uses the ability for iPhones to sync up to a private app respository for Enterprise and Education purposes, so that a third party App Store can be installed on your device without jailbreaking. With this program, your computer will run a server that will sign your apps with an app specific password, then sync them over iTunes every week so they don't expire. The server will run with Windows and Mac computers, and has a proper release tomorrow, September 28th.

    https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/25/20884363/altstore-riley-testut-delta-nintendo-emulator-ios-app-store-alternative-jailbreak

    6 votes
  2. [4]
    minimaltyp0s
    Link
    Wasn't this the same mechanism that Facebook used to circumvent Apple's policies which caused Apple to revoke Facebook's developer license? I can't imagine Apple will be very pleased with this....

    Wasn't this the same mechanism that Facebook used to circumvent Apple's policies which caused Apple to revoke Facebook's developer license?

    I can't imagine Apple will be very pleased with this. Can't see it lasting too long.

    4 votes
    1. aymm
      Link Parent
      Nope. Facebook used their Enterprise Certificate, which allows companies to install their own internal apps on their employees' devices. This one (ab-)uses that you can run an app on your device...

      Nope. Facebook used their Enterprise Certificate, which allows companies to install their own internal apps on their employees' devices. This one (ab-)uses that you can run an app on your device for testing purposes for two weeks before needing to sign it again. That's what their Windows/macOS software is for. Nonetheless, I idoubt that Apple will just let them continue

      9 votes
    2. [2]
      moocow1452
      Link Parent
      Not sure what can be done without retooling Developer Cerification entirely. Granted, Apple has the ability to rework their terms whenever, but I would like to assume that as long as nothing...

      I can't imagine Apple will be very pleased with this. Can't see it lasting too long.

      Not sure what can be done without retooling Developer Cerification entirely. Granted, Apple has the ability to rework their terms whenever, but I would like to assume that as long as nothing malicious is going on, they'd probably "no comment" and tolerate it because no money is changing hands, Developers are going to be peeved if said terms get reworked, and Apple kinda has some legal stuff going on about being the only store on their platform, and I doubt they want to have it in writing that 3rd party app stores can be a thing.

      4 votes
      1. 2zla
        Link Parent
        This would also eliminate the sole reason I chose iPhone over others. By no means do I consider myself an avid fan of Apple, the company or their products, however I do greatly appreciate the...

        This would also eliminate the sole reason I chose iPhone over others. By no means do I consider myself an avid fan of Apple, the company or their products, however I do greatly appreciate the 'gated-garden' nature of my mobile phone. Point to point native message encryption by default, and unwillingness to fork over blanket access or ability to access a locked iOS device does add to this effect.

        I've been called a 'tinkerer' on more than one occasion, and yes I've bricked a few android phones in my day. The nature of iOS, and maybe the price tag of the device itself, does make me hesitant to attempt a jailbreak or the likes.

        With that being said, and without any steps taken to prevent this sort of behavior, I'm less likely to consider an iOS device in the future. I don't feel tied to my device, nor do I feel betrayed by this company, however my curiosity leads me to wonder if this is a concern to Apple as well.

        1 vote
  3. Wolf
    Link
    Is there any way to see what apps it offers without installing it?

    Is there any way to see what apps it offers without installing it?

    2 votes
  4. [2]
    Comment deleted by author
    Link
    1. moocow1452
      Link Parent
      I think because it has the magic words "Nintendo Emulator" it has to say Nintendo is property of Nintendo. Obeying the law when breaking the rules.

      I think because it has the magic words "Nintendo Emulator" it has to say Nintendo is property of Nintendo. Obeying the law when breaking the rules.

      6 votes
  5. [2]
    mrbig
    Link
    Huh. Looks nice. But I rather not get attached. Also: no Linux.

    Huh. Looks nice. But I rather not get attached.

    Also: no Linux.

    1. moocow1452
      Link Parent
      iTunes isn't on Linux natively, so I don't think it would be that helpful.

      iTunes isn't on Linux natively, so I don't think it would be that helpful.