Does AltStore jailbreak your device?

Answered by Willian Lymon

AltStore does not jailbreak your device. It is important to clarify this misconception because AltStore is often associated with jailbreaking due to its compatibility with certain jailbreak tools. However, AltStore itself is not a jailbreak tool.

To understand this better, let’s first define what jailbreaking is. Jailbreaking is the process of removing software restrictions imposed by Apple on iOS devices, allowing users to gain root access and install third-party applications, tweaks, and modifications that are not available through the official App Store. Jailbreaking essentially bypasses Apple’s security measures, giving users more control over their devices.

On the other hand, AltStore is a method of sideloading apps onto iOS devices. Sideloading refers to installing apps from outside the official App Store, without the need for jailbreaking. AltStore uses a developer feature in iOS called “sideloading” to install apps that are not available through the App Store.

AltStore works by utilizing a developer account associated with your Apple ID. It creates a “dummy app” on your device, which acts as a bridge between your computer and your iOS device. By connecting your device to your computer and running the AltStore companion app, you can install apps directly to your device without going through the App Store.

Now, it is worth mentioning that while AltStore itself is not a jailbreak tool, it is commonly used by jailbreak enthusiasts to install jailbreak apps or tools onto their devices. For example, many people use AltStore to install the popular jailbreak tool called “unc0ver” onto their iOS device. However, AltStore is not responsible for the actual jailbreaking process. It merely facilitates the installation of the jailbreak tool.

AltStore is not a jailbreak tool. It is a method of sideloading apps onto iOS devices, allowing users to install apps that are not available through the App Store. While it is often used in conjunction with jailbreaking, AltStore itself does not jailbreak your device.