Lecture Notes: Top 10 Best AltStore Sources and Repos To Add in 2023

Introduction

• Apple's Stance on Sideloading: Apple traditionally restricts sideloading on iOS devices, pushing users to use only the official AppStore.
• Change in European Laws: New laws in Europe are challenging Apple's monopoly on digital application stores, fomenting a possible shift in Apple's policy.
• Jailbreaking: Historically, enthusiasts and hackers used jailbreaking to bypass Apple's restrictions and install third-party apps.

AltStore Overview

• What is AltStore?
  • Developed by Riley Testut as a response to Cydia Impactor's limitations.
  • Enables sideloading of iOS apps from third-party sources using the .IPA file format.
  • Utilizes a computer program, AltServer, to sign and deploy apps to iOS devices.
  • Allows apps to be refreshed every 7 days to bypass free developer account limits.

AltStore Repos

• Definition: Repos are links added to AltStore allowing access to non-AppStore applications.
• Functionality: Offers access to apps unavailable on the official AppStore, enhancing user freedom similar to jailbreaking.

Top 10 AltStore Sources and Repos (2023)

1. Quantum Source

• Contains emulators, jailbreak utilities, and MacDirtyCow-powered apps.
• Link: quarksources.github.io/quantumsource.json

2. Flyinghead Repository

• Hosts the Flycast IPA for emulating Dreamcast and other consoles.
• Link: flyinghead.github.io/flycast-builds/altstore.json

3. WuXus Library++

• Large repository of IPAs including modified and tweaked apps.
• Caution: Some apps may infringe copyright laws.
• Link: wuxu1.github.io/wuxu-complete-plus.json

4. Quantum Plus Source

• Offers a variety of tweaked and modified apps.
• Caution: Potential copyright issues.
• Link: wuxu1.github.io/wuxu-complete-plus.json

5. Taurine Repo

• Official source for the Taurine Jailbreak tool for iOS 14 to 14.3.
• Link: taurine.app/altstore/taurinestore.json

6. Odyssey Repo

• Official source for the Odyssey Jailbreak, supporting iOS 13 to 13.7.
• Link: theodyssey.dev/altstore/odysseysource.json

7. Random Source

• Offers emulators and jailbreak apps like PPSSPP and Unc0ver.
• Link: randomblock1.com/altstore/apps.json

8. iSH AltStore Repo

• Provides a Linux shell environment through a usermode x86 emulator on iOS.
• Link: ish.app/altstore.json

9. SideStore Community Store

• Curated collection of emulators and jailbreak tools.
• Link: community-apps.sidestore.io/sidecommunity.json

10. UTM Repository

• Features a virtual machine app for iOS, akin to VirtualBox.
• Link: alt.getutm.app

Conclusion

• AltStore Evolution: Since its v1.5 update, AltStore supports various sources, broadening access to numerous apps not found in the Apple AppStore.

Additional Resources

• Developer Mode Guide: Instructions for enabling Developer mode for AltStore use from iOS 16.0 onwards.
• Other Guides from iDevice Central: Links to additional jailbreak and tweak resources.