[duskwuff]

From the author's blog post on how AltStore works [1]:

> For this distribution method, AltStore requires your Apple ID and password to communicate on your behalf with Apple’s developer servers.

This seems really sketchy, and I would not be surprised if Apple took steps to prevent this, and possibly even to disable Apple IDs associated with this activity.

> The last major restriction is that an iOS device may only ever have at most 3 apps installed using this method, even if they come from different Apple IDs. This was by far the most frustrating one to deal with, but thankfully I was able to find a workaround in time.

The workaround (swapping around provisioning profiles) sounds like it's abusing a bug which Apple could fix pretty easily.

[1]: http://rileytestut.com/blog/2019/09/25/introducing-altstore/

[vunie]

Apple is already facing antitrust actions regarding its walled garden. I doubt apple would be eager to give authorities more ammunition.

Alternative app stores will likely come to ios in one form or another. I think the smarter reaction would be for apple to offer an official API so that it can remain somewhat in control.