Being an iOS App Development Company, it is pivotal to understand the limitations of the official App Store for iOS users. The official App Store has authoritarian regulations and policies restricting specific applications such as screen recorders and emulators. The review process by Apple can also delay app approvals or reject apps that do not meet their guidelines.
But if you explore alternative app stores that can provide iOS users more variety, flexibility, and accessibility than the official App Store. These app stores offer unique app experiences by meeting the needs of users and providing a suitable solution to overcome the limitations of the official App Store.
Here, we have compiled a list of the top App Store alternatives for iOS users to overcome these limitations. You can easily find applications for your iPad, iPhone, and iPod in multiple places, not just the Apple App Store. We are here to offer you the best list of Apple iOS App Store alternatives. Also, you might be intrigued to know more about top iOS application development company.
Price and Launching Year of Alternative App Stores
| Alternative App Stores | Price | Launching Years |
| BuildStore | $19.99/month | 2013 |
| AltStore | FREE | 2019 |
| EonHub | FREE | 2019 |
| CokerNutX | FREE | 2021 |
| Cydia | FREE | 2008 |
| Xabsi | FREE | 2008 |
| TweakBox | FREE | 2017 |
| App Valley | FREE | 2017 |
| Tutubox | FREE | 2010 |
| iOS Heaven | $8.99/month | 2007 |
Why Exactly You can go for an Alternative App Store?
Like the App Store, the iOS device alternatives might not offer a profitable model. But these third-party app stores pay well for downloads and offer more lucrative app deals as compared to the popular app stores.
Also, third-party app stores rarely charge a fee for listing an app. These alternative app stores can promote your app better by advertising offers or discounts or featuring it as an app of the day. The listed apps get the desired spot in the recommended app list by these alternative app stores. So, the apps that do not get to Apple’s App Store’s top ten list can be recognized in alternative app stores.
App Store Alternatives For iOS Users in 2023
BuildStore: App Store For IOS
Operating since 2013, BuildStore is among the most popular third-party tweaked app stores having more than 15k active users daily. The sideloading for tweaked apps and games can be done by iOS without any jailbreaking. This is the safest and most reliable store with more than 300 games and apps being updated constantly.
Monthly, 20-30 apps have been added to the alternative app stores. BuildStore is a unique place to access the listed apps. The alternative app store does not host malware and also it does not accept applications that have viruses. All the applications go through manual testing thus it becomes impossible to damage your device as you use BuildStore.
AltStore: Alternative App Store For IOS
AltStore is one of the most reputable third-party app stores for iOS devices, and the significant advantage of this app store is that it can work without jailbreak. AltStore does not depend on developer certificates, like other unofficial app installers such as TweakBox and TutuApp.It allows users to install .ipa files from any app or game that is unavailable on the Apple Store.
The developer of Altstore is Riley Testut, and although there are only a few apps available at the moment, the app will support more apps soon. To install an IPA file using AltStore, users must download AltServer and possess advanced knowledge of firewall and Wi-Fi settings. Additionally, a Wi-Fi connection is required to install and update apps.
EonHub
EonHub is another third-party application for iOS devices used by jailbreakers as an alternative to installing unofficial games and apps. This alternative offers 1000+ apps and games entirely free including unsigned apps, tweaks, unique functionalities, and much more.
Users can effortlessly use this store without jailbreaking their iPhones. The interface of EonHub is user-centric and uniformly updated with new content. Basically, EonHub lets you install third-party content quickly without any need to jailbreak.
CokerNutX
While using CokerNutX, users can effortlessly find thousands of unofficial and third-party apps, games, settings, and more. CokerNutX does not require using an Apple account to install CokerNutX, whereas the official iOS app store requires it. Also, there are no geographic restrictions to downloading applications.
CokerNutX is among the popular alternate iOS app stores that allow you to download tons of games and apps. It has an engaging and easy-to-navigate user interface which is available for free. Also, it does not require jailbreak and supports all iOS versions including iOS 13.
Cydia
Cydia used to be exclusively available for iOS devices through jailbreak, but in today’s time, jailbreak is not the only method as it can be installed through a variety of methods available. As one of the most widely-used third-party app stores for iOS, Cydia can now be installed on all iDevice models, iOS versions, and most jailbroken devices. Additionally, it is user-friendly and straightforward to install, making it an attractive option for new users.
Xabsi
Xabsi is a third-party app store for iOS that can be used as an alternative to the Apple App Store. It supports all the latest iOS versions and iDevices, including 32-bit and 64-bit devices. These bit apps can be installed by users as an alternative to the Apple App Store. The store features thousands of exclusive apps that can’t be found on the official Apple app store. However, jailbreaking your device may be necessary to use Xabsi.
TweakBox
Tweakbox is a third-party app store for iOS that allows users to install modified apps that are not available on the Apple App Store. Its user-friendly interface and visually appealing design make it easy to navigate. Tweakbox offers a wide range of apps and games that are not easily found on the official Apple app store. Additionally, it uses encrypted SSL and provides free access to all apps and games. The app store is compatible with all iPhones and iPads.
App Valley
App Valley is a new alternative to the Apple app store, offering free access to a wide range of apps, games, ringtones, emulators, and other improvements. The platform is reliable and safe, with frequent updates to ensure continued functionality. It is compatible with iOS 13 devices and does not compromise Apple’s security features. Furthermore, downloading the app does not require the device to be jailbroken.
Tutubox
Tutubox is a top-tier third-party app store that provides access to essential emulators, hacked games, tweaked apps, and jailbreak tools for iOS devices. With Tutubox, users can easily access thousands of apps and games without the need to jailbreak their device or worry about frequent revocation. There are no hidden download fees and the platform works well on all versions of iOS that are iOS 13 or higher versions.
Users can find popular tweaked apps like Pandora++, Instagram++, Twitter++, and YouTubeMusic++, as well as popular emulators like Delta, Happy Click, GBA4iOS, and Provenance. Tutubox also offers various game hacks for GTA iSpoofer, Sniper 3D, Minecraft, Real Racing 3, Last Day on Earth, and Shadow Fight 3. Additionally, users can install popular tools like Electra, Odyssey, H3lix, Phoenix, and unc0ver directly from Tutubox without needing a PC.
IOS Heaven
iOS Heaven offers thousands of applications that are available on the iOS Heaven web page. As an IPA archive or from a web browser, users can directly install these applications. There is no need to download any other iOS store to operate iOS Heaven as there are many apps available on its web page.
Features of Alternative App Stores
We have talked about the top ten iOS App Store Alternatives, it’s time to talk about their features.
BuildStore: App Store For IOS
- BuildStore alternative has 300+ apps and tweaks.
- It includes the “Request an app” functionality.
- It does not require specific skills or extra tools to operate it.
- You can restore the account seamlessly.
- 24*7 account support.
AltStore: Alternative App Store For IOS
- It does not require jailbreak.
- AltStore allows the installation of third-party applications.
- This alternative offers open code and apps are loaded as in Cydia Impactor.
- Users can create and own developer certificates; hence there can be no revocations by Apple.
EonHub
- The EonHub alternative is easy to use and has no requirement for jailbreak.
- Users can do constant updates.
- There is no need to download the app as the users can also open it in the browser and download the apps or games.
CokerNutX
- CokerNutX supports all versions of iOS devices.
- There is no jailbreak required.
- CokerNutX is available for free.
- Users can use SSL encryption for security easily.
Cydia
- It has a user-friendly interface which makes it an easy-to-use platform.
- It supports all iOS device versions.
- It is compatible with jailbreak devices.
Xabi
- Xabi provides both free and premium features.
- It is user-friendly and easy to use.
- It is compatible with all iOS versions.
Tweakbox
- Tweakbox offers thousands of games and apps.
- It is easy to use and navigate.
- It supports all iPhones, iPads, and other iOS devices and offers a user-friendly interface.
App Valley
- Users can install App Valley easily.
- It offers a user-friendly interface that is compatible with almost every iOS version.
- It provides thousands of free apps and games, not available on the Apple App Store.
Tutubox
- Tutubox is a safe and reliable platform for all iOS devices.
- It offers exclusive features which might be missing in other app stores.
- Users can download their desired stuff at zero cost; hence it is a free app.
- Tutubox is compatible with all iOS devices and it does not require jailbreaking.
- Users do not need an Apple ID and password to access the app.
- Tutubox has less number of revokes and provides excellent customer service.
IOS Heaven
- iOS Heaven is easy to use and provides downloading and fast-loading speed.
- Users can directly download their favorite software from the web application.
What are the advantages of the Alternative App Store?
Other app stores don’t provide a revenue share model as profitable as the one offered by Google Play Store. Although popular app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play Store don’t pay for app downloads, third-party app stores may offer more profitable deals for apps.
Alternative app stores offer several advantages:
- Apart from hardly ever charging an app listing fee, alternative app stores provide advertising discounts or showcase apps as “Apps of the Day.”
- Apps that are tailored to specific countries tend to be more profitable in Apple Store than in Apple app stores.
Conclusion
Alternative app stores are lucrative for iOS users and companies which are not available in the official App Store. These advantages comprise a more extensive selection of apps, greater flexibility in terms of app downloads, and a distinctive app experience. By researching and identifying suitable app store alternatives, users can find options that better cater to their specific needs and preferences, ultimately resulting in an enhanced app usage experience.
We are eager to motivate our readers to learn more about app store alternatives and seek our developers’ expertise in app development services. As an iOS App Development Company, we have expertise in crafting customized mobile apps that meet the requirements of our clients. Hire iOS developers and burgeon your business among competitors.
