[iOS 17.4 ] Ability to Sideload Apps from Alternative App Stores (Full Tutorial)

Part 1: What is Sideloading & Alternative App Store in iOS 17.4?

The EU enforced the law upon Apple to allow users to download apps from other sources, and not just the App Store. To comply with the law, Apple has introduced the ability to install third-party app marketplaces, also known as alternative app marketplaces.

With this feature, you can now install app marketplaces other than the App Store on your iPhone. Once you’ve installed the marketplace, you can then download apps from that marketplace.

If you’re wondering whether you can sideload an app directly on your iPhone without an alternative store, the answer is “no”. Unlike on Android, where you can directly install an APK file to install an app, you need an alternative store to download an app from outside the App Store.

Where is iOS 17.4 sideloading available?

You can only download alternative app marketplaces if you’re in the EU. This means the feature is only available for the users residing in one of the countries of the EU.

If you’re located outside of the EU, you cannot use this feature.

If you’re currently in the EU and later leave the region, you can continue to use the sideloaded apps, but you can’t download any more of them. Plus, you can’t install any new app marketplaces after leaving the country.

Can you install alternative stores with a VPN?

No, you cannot use a VPN to fake your location in the EU and install alternative stores. It only changes your network location by changing your IP. Although the specific influencing factors are still unknown, the outside speculation suggests that Apple might consider the following factors:

• 1. Your device’s region settings (Apple checks this, but not the exact location, for privacy).
• 2. Billing address for Apple ID.
• 3. Type of device (like iPhone, iPad, etc.).
• 4. Apple is adding a new section in the "About this iPhone" menu to show the device's region.

Part 2: How to Install Alternative Stores and Sideload Apps (Step-by-Step)

If you’re located in one of the countries that fall under the EU, you can use the feature right away. First, you need to install a third-party alternative app marketplace. To do that, follow the steps below.

• Open the link provided by the developer of the alternative app store. If you don’t have one, you can search for more in a search engine like Google.
• Once you’re on the webpage, tap the install button.
• If you’re installing an alternative store for the first time, you’ll need to approve it. To do that, open the Settings app and tap the message that says “Allow Marketplace From…”, then tap Allow.
• Open the browser again and tap the install button again to complete the process.

Once you’ve installed the alternative store, you’re ready to start downloading apps from it. To install an app from the new marketplace, follow the steps.

• 1. Open your new app marketplace by tapping its icon on the home screen.
• 2. Allow all the permissions it asks for. However, be noted that Apple does not have much control over alternative stores, so you should be careful about which stores you give sensitive permissions to. Some stores may be shady and fraudulent.
• 3. Search for an app and tap the install icon.
• 4. You will see a new kind of popup sheet asking you to install the app, simply tap the Install button to continue.
• 5. Wait for the app to finish downloading, and you’re good to go.

Part 3: How to Sideload Apps if You’re Not in the EU

#1. Sideload Apps Using UltFone iOS Data Manager

If you’d like to download an app that’s available in the App Store but is specifically banned in your region, like TikTok in India, you can use UltFone iOS Data Manager to download apps not available in your country. Some epic games such as BGMI and Fortnite are also downloadable with UltFone iOS Data Manager. Here's how it works.

• Step 1 Download and intall UltFone iOS Data Manager on your computer. Then open it. Connect your iPhone. On its main interface, tap the “Manage” tab.
• Step 2 Select “Apps”, then tap “Apps Download”.
• Step 3 As shown above, you will see a bunch of apps that are banned in specific regions. Tap the download icon on any of them to download on your iPhone.

Note: Only if the app has already been acquired with the Apple ID can it be installed.

#2. Change Your iPhone Region with UltFone iOS Location Changer

The second method is to change your Apple ID’s region, as well as fake your location to the EU using a location changer tool. Be noted that you will need to do both steps to successfully install alternative stores. To change your Apple ID location:

• Open the Settings app and tap your Apple ID.
• Tap Media & Purchases, then select “View Account”.
• Select the option to change region, then choose any of the countries in the EU.
• Fill in the rest of the details.

Now, you will need UltFone iOS Location Changer, the best tool to change your iPhone GPS location to anywhere in the world without jailbreak. It basically tricks your device into showing that you're in a different location than where you actually are. And it's compatible with the latest iOS 17. See how to use it to change your iPhone region to EU:

• Step 1 Download and install UltFone iOS Location Changer on your computer. Then launch the program and connect your iPhone. Tap the “Enter” button on the main interface.
• Step 2 Choose or enter a location on the map you want to change the location to. Make sure to choose a location with the EU.
• Step 3 Now you’ve successfully changed the location to EU.

If you’ve also successfully changed your device’s region in settings, you will now be able to install and use secondary app stores.