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Buying a Apple Developer Account

Buying a dev account costs 99 EUR and expires every year. A paid dev account is made for the people that make apps for the app store, though this can be exploited to sideload any app you wish.

Requirements

  • A valid Apple ID (this will become your developer certificate).
  • A Mac or Windows PC with iTunes and iCloud installed (for installing signed apps).
  • An active Apple Developer Account subscription (€99 per year).
  • Access to Xcode (optional but useful for app signing and debugging).
  • A USB cable to connect your device.

Additional Info & Limitations

  • Your Apple ID becomes your developer certificate, meaning all apps you sign are trusted for a full year.
  • Certificates expire every 365 days, requiring renewal to keep apps working.
  • Unlike the free method, there is no 3-app limit.
  • Apps do not need to be refreshed weekly — you can install them once and keep them indefinitely (as long as the certificate remains valid).
  • You still need a PC or Mac for initial installation, unless using a service that supports direct sideloading.
  • Some advanced developer features, like on-device debugging and provisioning profiles, are available with this account.

Benefits

  • Apps behave exactly like App Store apps — full system access, push notifications, and working in-app links.
  • Allows you to sideload unlimited apps.
  • Full background activity and auto-refresh support.
  • Your apps appear fully trusted in settings (no “Untrusted Developer” warnings).
  • Perfect for power users, testers, or developers who build and maintain custom apps.

AltStore (Developer Mode)

  • Supports direct installation using your Apple Developer credentials.
  • Removes the 3-app limit and 7-day refresh restriction.
  • You can install as many apps as you want, with automatic background refresh if Wi-Fi sync is configured.

Sideloadly (Developer Signing)

  • Works seamlessly with developer accounts.
  • Offers advanced customization: change app name, icon, bundle ID, and more.
  • You can even export IPA files without installing them immediately.
  • Ideal for managing multiple signed apps efficiently.

Tips

  • Keep track of your certificate expiration date to avoid apps suddenly failing to open.
  • If you’re testing apps across multiple devices, make sure to register those devices under your developer account in advance.
  • Always revoke unused certificates to maintain clean account hygiene and avoid conflicts.
  • Use Xcode if you want to debug or sign apps directly on macOS.
  • If you maintain a small personal library of apps, this method is more cost-effective long-term than relying on unstable enterprise certs.

Summary

Using a paid Apple Developer Account is the most official and stable way to sideload apps:

  • ✅ No 3-app limit
  • ✅ No weekly refreshes
  • ✅ Full app functionality — notifications, links, background activity
  • ❌ Costs €99/year, renewable annually

It’s the perfect balance between freedom and security, especially for users who sideload often or develop their own apps.