Our recommendation
AltStore Classic puts an app store on your iPhone and refreshes apps through AltServer running on a computer on the same Wi-Fi or over USB. ByteLoader is a Windows desktop app that installs and renews apps itself, without iTunes or iCloud. In the EU, Japan and Brazil, AltStore PAL installs notarised apps that do not expire and needs no computer, which is the better option if the app you want is listed there.
We make ByteLoader. AltStore facts are from its official site and FAQ, checked on the date above.
At a glance
| ByteLoader | AltStore | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Windows desktop app | On-device store plus AltServer (Classic) · Alternative marketplace (PAL) |
| Computer needed | Yes, Windows 10 or 11 | Classic: AltServer on Windows 10+ or macOS 11+ · PAL: no |
| iTunes / iCloud on Windows | Not needed | Classic: AltServer needs iTunes and iCloud from Apple's site |
| Refresh | Automatic from the PC tray, over USB or Wi-Fi | Classic: through AltServer on the same Wi-Fi or over USB · PAL: apps do not expire |
| App limit | Apple's free Apple ID limit: 3 installed apps | Classic: 3 apps · PAL: none |
| Which apps | Any IPA you supply | Classic: any IPA or sources · PAL: notarised apps only |
| Availability | Worldwide | Classic: worldwide · PAL: EU, Japan, Brazil |
Choose ByteLoader if…
- You want to install any IPA from a Windows PC with as few moving parts as possible.
- You would rather not install iTunes and iCloud.
- You would rather manage apps from the desktop than from an app on the phone.
Choose AltStore if…
- You are in the EU, Japan or Brazil and the app is available on AltStore PAL.
- You like browsing and updating apps from sources on the phone itself.
- You use a Mac as your always-on computer for AltServer.
Classic vs PAL
AltStore Classic works anywhere but is bound by Apple's free Apple ID rules: 7-day expiry and three installed apps. It needs AltServer running on a computer, on the same network or over USB, to install and refresh, and on Windows AltServer needs iTunes and iCloud from Apple. AltStore PAL is an alternative app marketplace in regions where Apple allows them. Apps there are notarised by Apple, never expire, and need no computer, but you can only install what developers have published to it.
Where ByteLoader fits
ByteLoader is for people who have an IPA and a Windows PC and want it installed and kept alive. It handles signing, installation and renewal from one window and a tray icon, and shows every app's expiry date.
Use one tool per Apple ID
A free Apple ID gets one development certificate. When ByteLoader installs, it revokes a certificate AltStore created on the same Apple ID, and AltStore's apps stop opening. Pick one tool per Apple ID.
Questions
Do I need AltServer to use ByteLoader?
No. ByteLoader installs and renews apps itself; it does not use AltServer or AltStore.
Can I use ByteLoader and AltStore on the same Apple ID?
Not at the same time. ByteLoader revokes the certificate AltStore made, so AltStore's apps stop opening. Use one tool per Apple ID.
Does ByteLoader get around the 3-app limit?
No. The limit is Apple's rule for free Apple IDs and applies to every tool that uses one.
Sources
The vendor pages behind the facts on this page, checked on the date above.