Sideloadly is a popular third-party app that allows you to install apps from outside the App Store on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 17. This process of installing apps from unofficial sources is called “sideloading”.Here’s everything you need to know about using Sideloadly to sideload apps on iOS 17.
What is Sideloading and Why Would You Want to Do It?
Sideloading refers to installing apps on your iPhone or iPad from outside the official App Store. It allows you to run apps that haven’t been approved by Apple, aren’t available in your region, or are still in beta testing.
Here are some common reasons why you might want to sideload apps on your iOS 17 device using Sideloadly:
- Try out early beta versions of apps before they are released publicly.
- Access apps not available in your country’s App Store, like certain video streaming or messaging apps.
- Install apps rejected by App Store guidelines, like emulators or modified versions of apps.
- More control and customization over your device since you’re not limited to just App Store apps.
Is Sideloading Legal and Safe on iOS 17?
Sideloading itself is not illegal, nor explicitly banned by Apple. However, it does violate their terms of service. Apple warns that sideloaded apps could pose security risks or enable piracy.
That said, using trusted sources and services like Sideloadly is reasonably safe. As of iOS 17, Apple still restricts extensive sideloading protections in place, including:
- Apps cannot directly interact with other apps, access sensitive data, or make changes to the device.
- Sideloaded apps are automatically deleted after 7 days unless they are re-signed.
- Apps must be specifically re-signed and re-sideloaded after every major iOS update.
So while Apple makes sideloading a bit tricky, the security tradeoffs are minimal if you stick to reputable sideloading tools and apps.
Requirements and Limitations of iOS 17 Sideloading
Before you can sideload iOS apps using Sideloadly, your device must meet the following requirements:
- Running iOS 17 or later
- Free Apple developer account for signing apps
- Windows or Mac computer for installing Sideloadly
- Lightning or USB-C cable to connect your iPhone/iPad
Additionally, there are some important limitations to understand:
- Only works for iPhones and iPads (no Apple TV support)
- Can sideload a maximum of 10 apps per 7 days for free accounts
- Apps get revoked after 7 days unless they are re-signed
- Each app needs to be re-sideloaded after every major iOS update
So while the requirements are minimal, you will need to actively maintain and manage your sideloaded apps over time.
How to UseSideloadly for iOS 17 Sideloading
Here’s a step-by-step process to get Sideloadly set up and start sideloading iOS apps:
Step #1: Download and Install Sideloadly
First, download the latest version of Sideloadly for Mac or Windows from their official website. Install Sideloadly by opening the DMG file on Mac or the EXE file on Windows.
Step #2: Connect iPhone/iPad and Trust Computer
Use a Lightning or USB-C cable to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. When prompted, tap Trust to approve that computer for app installation.
Step #3: Add Apple ID to Sideloadly
In Sideloadly, click Add Account and enter your free Apple ID and password. This signs the apps so they can run on your device.
Step #4: Select and Sideload the IPA App File
Within Sideloadly, click Add Apps and select the IPA file for the app you want to sideload. Finally, click Start to begin sideloading the app to your connected iPhone or iPad.
Wrapping Up
While Apple still discourages extensive iOS app sideloading, tools like Sideloadly provide a reasonably safe and simple way to install unapproved, region-locked, or pre-release apps on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 17.
Just be careful in selecting legitimate app files from trusted developers, understand the 7-day limitations, and keep Sideloadly maintained across iOS updates. Used properly, sideloading grants you more control over customizing your iOS experience without jeopardizing device security.
