ContextLab / ContextLab/dream-stream

iOS App Distribution: Investigate alternatives to paid Apple Developer account

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enhancement
Dominant language
TypeScript
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4
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Description

## Problem

Building and distributing the iOS app requires code signing, which has these challenges:

- **Free Apple ID signing**: Apps expire after 7 days, requiring re-installation
- **Paid Apple Developer Program**: $99/year subscription
- **Sideloading (AltStore)**: Requires manual Xcode setup for IPA export, auto-refreshes every 7 days

## Current Status

- Android APK builds and runs correctly
- iOS simulator builds work
- iOS device builds require signing configuration

## Options to Investigate

1. **AltStore distribution**: Create IPA, users sideload via AltStore
2. **TestFlight**: Requires paid account but gives 90-day builds
3. **TrollStore**: Only works on specific iOS versions (14.0-16.6.1, 17.0)
4. **Paid Developer Account**: Best UX but $99/year cost

## Tasks

- [ ] Document IPA export process for AltStore
- [ ] Evaluate if TrollStore is viable for target users
- [ ] Consider if $99/year is justified for App Store distribution
- [ ] Add iOS download instructions to about page once resolved

## Related

This was deferred to focus on Android release first (v1.0.0).

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