ContextLab / ContextLab/dream-stream
iOS App Distribution: Investigate alternatives to paid Apple Developer account
- Dominant language
- TypeScript
- Stars
- 4
- Forks
- 0
- PR merge metrics
- No merged PRs in 30d
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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