Frequent Questions
AltStore is an application to browse, verify, install, and update a curated list of trusted, professionally made applications. It contains only privacy respecting apps and features strong, state of the art encryption plus built-in malware scanning to keep your device safe. Apps cannot be submitted to the AltStore, they are manually vetted, then invited.
You may not want to use invasive and privacy eroding services from companies that have been seen to act like alphabet® agencies, or companies that show no respect for your privacy. While you might prefer to avoid such stores and services, you need a way to verify, install and update trusted, professionally made applications. AltStore is a curated store featuring only privacy respecting apps and uses a secure updating mechanism. The AltStore client is also open-sourced, so if you are technically minded you may inspect or build from source to verify our claims.
Apps need to be invited to the AltStore, if your app fits the bill then we will get in touch. If there's an app you think would be a great fit for the AltStore then click Suggest an App at the bottom of this page. Generally to be considered for inclusion, an app needs to be professionally made, respect the user's privacy and function correctly on devices without Google Play Services installed. There is no cost for inclusion on the AltStore. Non-commerical apps need to be open source, commercial apps need to be offered by a registered corporate entity. A DUNS number, landline, fax number, goverment issued photo ID, and other primitive relics of a bygone era are not requirements. Entities will be verified using technical means, cryptographic signatures, and common sense.
We do not, the AltStore contains no tracking code. The app catalogue is downloaded and searches are performed locally on your device, so we do not and cannot see which apps you browse for, search for, or have installed. We are also incapable of pushing altered or customized binaries to any specific device. You may verify this by inspecting the source code, and confirm the information displayed in-app during install.