altstoreio / altstoreio/AltStore

[Discussion] Using local VPN to install IPAs

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#5 5 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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enhancement
Dominant language
Swift
Stars
14.4k
Forks
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PR merge metrics
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Description

While I was looking into a method similar to what AltStore does I was able to install and sign IPAs locally on an ios device without the need of a computer by using a local VPN through https://portmap.io/ I wonder if something similar could be achieved by running a server locally on the iOS device itself so that after a user only needs to install the the AltStore app using a desktop.

The biggest issue with this when I was testing was the need for the handshake keys but it is possible to read those from the desktop and store them somewhere in the cloud encrypted. This would require the user having an account but I am assuming at some point some kind of login system might be required anyways. Would love to hear any thoughts on this.

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Research direction

The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by reviewing AltStore’s existing desktop-assisted installation and signing flow, then assess the proposed local VPN server and handshake-key handling. Done would require a decided, scoped design rather than an open-ended discussion.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
ios, swift
Domain
mobile-dev, security
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
20/100

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