Is sideloading legal on iPhone?

Yes. The Digital Markets Act in the EU requires Apple to allow alternative app distribution. In other regions, installing apps via developer certificates or tools like TrollStore is legal but outside Apple's terms of service for certain use cases. The legality of specific apps you install is a separate question.

Will sideloading void my iPhone warranty?

No. Installing third-party apps via any of these methods does not void your hardware warranty. Jailbreaking (modifying the OS kernel) is different — that can affect warranty claims.

What's the difference between sideloading and jailbreaking?

Sideloading installs apps from outside the App Store while keeping all iOS security features active. Jailbreaking removes iOS's sandbox restrictions and allows root-level access. AltStore and TrollStore are sideloading tools, not jailbreaks.

Can I sideload on the latest iOS version?

AltStore (Classic) and Sideloadly work on the latest iOS. AltStore PAL requires iOS 17.4+ in EU countries. TrollStore only supports up to iOS 17.0 — it doesn't work on newer versions.

How many apps can I sideload?

Free Apple ID: 3 active sideloaded apps (AltStore/Sideloadly). Apple Developer Program ($99/year): no limit. AltStore PAL (EU): no per-app limit. TrollStore: no limit.

Do sideloaded apps get automatic updates?

Not automatically. AltStore PAL has an update mechanism for apps in its catalogue. For custom IPAs, you need to manually install updated versions.

iOS SideloadingAll Methods Tested

iOS Sideloading: Every Method, Honestly Compared

We tested four ways to install apps outside the App Store on iPhone. Here's which one is right for your situation — with step-by-step guides for each.

#1AltStore PAL #2TrollStore #3AltStore (Classic)#4Sideloadly

How We Tested

Devices

iPhone 14, 15 Pro, SE3

iOS Versions

16.7, 17.4, 18.3

Test Duration

6 weeks per method

Apps Tested

20+ IPAs each

AltStore PAL

Best for EU

iOS 17.4+ · EU countries only

Easy

€1.50/year

The cleanest sideloading experience in 2026 — no computer, no certificate expiry, and Apple-notarised. EU users with iOS 17.4+ should start here.

Requires EU?

EU only

Needs PC/Mac?

App Expiry?

Never

App Limit

None

No Mac or PC requiredApps don't expire (notarised certificate)No 3-app limitApple-approved marketplace (DMA-compliant)Growing app catalogue

Our Verdict

The best option for EU users running iOS 17.4+. The €1.50 fee goes directly to Apple via Patreon — AltStore PAL is the first legally-mandated alternative App Store and the most sustainable long-term option.

TrollStore

Permanent Install

iOS 14.0 – 16.7 · iOS 17.0 only

Medium

Free

Permanent IPA installation without certificate expiry. The power-user choice — but only supports specific iOS versions up to 17.0.

Requires EU?

Worldwide

Needs PC/Mac?

App Expiry?

Never

App Limit

None

Apps never expireNo certificate managementNo PC required for installationFull entitlement supportWorldwide (not EU-only)

Our Verdict

If your iPhone runs a supported iOS version, TrollStore is technically the best sideloading option — truly permanent, no expiry, no fuss. Check compatibility before attempting installation.

AltStore (Classic)

Works Worldwide

iOS 14+ · All countries

Medium

Free

The original AltStore — works everywhere, requires a Mac or PC nearby to refresh apps every 7 days. Best non-EU option for most users.

Requires EU?

Worldwide

Needs PC/Mac?

Yes

App Expiry?

7 days

App Limit

3 apps (free Apple ID)

Works worldwideFree with any Apple IDMature, well-documentedStrong community and sources

Our Verdict

The standard choice for non-EU users. The 7-day refresh is annoying but manageable with WiFi sync. If you're only running 1–2 sideloaded apps and have a computer at home, this works reliably.

Sideloadly

PC/Mac Required

iOS 12+ · All countries

Easy

Free

Computer-based IPA installer with a GUI. Good for one-off installs when you don't want to set up a full AltStore environment.

Requires EU?

Worldwide

Needs PC/Mac?

Yes

App Expiry?

7 days

App Limit

3 apps (free Apple ID)

Simple drag-and-drop interfaceWorks with any Apple IDNo ongoing setupGood for one-time installs

Our Verdict

Good for occasional use. If you need to install one app and don't want the AltStore infrastructure, Sideloadly is simpler. For regular use, AltStore is better.

At a Glance Comparison

Method	EU Only	Expires	App Limit	Cost
AltStore PAL	EU only		—	€1.50/year
TrollStore			—	Free
AltStore (Classic)		7 days	3 apps (free Apple ID)	Free
Sideloadly		7 days	3 apps (free Apple ID)	Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Method

EU Only

Needs PC

Expires

App Limit

Cost

AltStore PAL

EU only

—

€1.50/year

TrollStore

—

Free

AltStore (Classic)

7 days

3 apps (free Apple ID)

Free

Sideloadly

7 days

3 apps (free Apple ID)

Free