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best-altstore-sources-2025

4 min read

Sources (also called repositories or repos) are URLs that contain a JSON file listing available apps. When you add a source to AltStore or SideStore, the apps from that source appear in your Browse tab.

Think of sources like app stores within AltStore - each source has its own collection of apps maintained by different developers or communities.

Source Types

  • Official - Verified by AltStore/SideStore teams
  • Developer - Maintained by original app developers
  • Community - Trusted community-maintained collections
  • Unverified - Use with caution

How to Add Sources

Adding to AltStore

  1. Open AltStore - Launch AltStore on your iOS device.
  2. Go to Browse - Tap the "Browse" tab at the bottom.
  3. Open Sources - Tap "Sources" in the top left corner.
  4. Add Source - Tap the "+" button and paste the source URL.

Adding to SideStore

The process is similar - go to Browse → Sources → tap "+" and enter the URL.

Quick Add: Many sources have "Add to AltStore" buttons on their websites that auto-add the source.

Official Sources (Verified)

These sources are verified by the AltStore/SideStore teams and contain safe, legitimate apps.

| Source | Description | URL | |--------|-------------|-----| | AltStore Official | Delta, Clip, and other Riley Testut apps | Built-in | | UTM | Virtual machines for iOS | https://alt.getutm.app | | Flycast | Sega Dreamcast emulator | https://flyinghead.github.io/flycast-builds/altstore.json | | Provenance | Multi-system emulator | https://provenance-emu.com/apps.json |

Developer Sources

Sources maintained by the original developers of the apps they contain.

| Source | Description | URL | |--------|-------------|-----| | unc0ver | The famous iOS jailbreak tool | https://unc0ver.dev/altstore/unc0ver.json | | Odyssey/Taurine | CoolStar's jailbreak tools | https://theodyssey.dev/altstore/odyssey.json | | iSH Shell | Linux shell for iOS | https://ish.app/altstore.json | | Paperback | Manga reader for iOS | https://paperback.moe/altstore | | Aidoku | Free and open source manga reader | https://aidoku.app/source.json | | DolphiniOS | GameCube/Wii emulator | https://alt.oatmealdome.me |

Community Sources

Large collections maintained by trusted community members. These often contain tweaked apps and utilities.

| Source | Description | URL | |--------|-------------|-----| | Quark Sources | Massive collection of apps and tweaks | https://quarksources.github.io/dist/quantumsource.min.json | | CyPwn | Large IPA library with many tweaked apps | https://ipa.cypwn.xyz/cypwn.json | | SideStore Community | Official SideStore community source | https://community-apps.sidestore.io/sidecommunity.json | | Neoncat-OG | 1900+ apps including tweaks and games | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Neoncat-OG/TrollStore-IPAs/main/apps_esign.json | | Esign Yippee | Comprehensive app collection | https://aio.yippee.rip/altstore/yippee.json | | wuxu1 Repo | Quality collection of emulators and apps | https://wuxu1.github.io/wuxu-complete.json |

Caution: Community sources may contain modified apps. Always check app descriptions and reviews before installing.

Emulator-Focused Sources

Sources specifically for retro gaming emulators.

  • Delta (Built-in) - NES, SNES, N64, GBA, DS emulator. Default AltStore source.
  • PPSSPP - PSP emulator - now on App Store too!
  • RetroArch - Multi-system emulator frontend. Available on App Store.
  • Play! - PlayStation 2 emulator. https://purei.org/altstore/play.json

For a complete guide to iOS emulators, see our Best iOS Emulators 2025 article.

Safety Tips

Before Adding a Source

  • Check reputation - Look for community feedback on Reddit/Discord
  • Verify URLs - Make sure you have the correct URL from official channels
  • Look for HTTPS - Reputable sources use secure connections
  • Check update frequency - Active sources are regularly updated

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Sources requiring payment for basic apps
  • Sources with excessive ads or redirects
  • Unrealistic claims (e.g., "TrollStore for iOS 18")
  • Sources asking for your Apple ID
  • Apps with unusually large file sizes

Our Trust System: IPA Search shows trust badges for sources: Official (green), Developer (blue), and Community (orange). Unverified sources have no badge.