There do exist “alternate” app stores, like Emu4iOS which lets you install game console emulators, and Cydia for jailbroken devices. Many others also exist, and they allow you to install .ipa app files right from the browser. While I’m a software engineer, I don’t really understand how the install process works. From what I gather, you can code sign your own apps, which tricks your device into believing Apple approved the app themselves.
Apple, being the restrictive company it is, usually targets the hell out of these sites, so the code signature usually doesn’t last long. But, it is entirely possible to install apps on an iOS device from a non App Store source. It would be better if an iOS dev could comment on this and see if it’s possible in the current iOS dev environment
There do exist “alternate” app stores, like Emu4iOS which lets you install game console emulators, and Cydia for jailbroken devices. Many others also exist, and they allow you to install .ipa app files right from the browser. While I’m a software engineer, I don’t really understand how the install process works. From what I gather, you can code sign your own apps, which tricks your device into believing Apple approved the app themselves.
Apple, being the restrictive company it is, usually targets the hell out of these sites, so the code signature usually doesn’t last long. But, it is entirely possible to install apps on an iOS device from a non App Store source. It would be better if an iOS dev could comment on this and see if it’s possible in the current iOS dev environment