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I've heard apple developer accounts have been free for a while (previously $99/year)? Seriously, why don't people do this: - Put the unsigned binaries somewhe

I've heard apple developer accounts have been free for a while (previously $99/year)? Seriously, why don't people do this: - Put the unsigned binaries somewhere on the web - Have the user get a developer account - Make a little (macOS, Windows) app that takes the binaries, signs them with the user's developer key, and pushes them to their phone - pretending to the phone that the user is "developing" this app. Wouldn't that work? Or do apps in-development with Xcode (but not yet in the store) only work tethered or something? It would be a bit of a hassle, but I'd say to the user it's probably less work than rooting an Android phone, which plenty of users do. And you could run all the stuff (emulators, edgy content) that Apple forbids. It's probably against some TOS (but it would be hard to define how you're exactly violating it - I can develop an app, and give you the Xcode project and let you help me develop it). But the allure of the forbidden might make this even more interesting.

SyneRyder 10y ago
Hacker answer: Yes, you can do this right now, as of Xcode 7 Apple allows you to build test apps and upload to your devices for free: http://9to5mac.com/2015/06/10/xcode-7-allows-anyone-to-download-build-and-sideload-ios-apps-for-free/ http://9to5mac.com/2015/06/10/xcode-7-allows-anyone-to-downl... Human answer: Expecting everyday users to download & install a 3GB application, learn how a compiler works, join a developer program, learn how code-signing works, even learn how to plug their phone into a computer when they probably used iCloud instead of iTunes Sync... it's just not practical. It's a usability & support nightmare with a minuscule audience. It's easier just to develop for Android. (And if Google rejects your app, the sideloading story for Android is within the reach of normal users.)
pjc50 10y ago
- Have the user get a developer account User is going to go elsewhere at this point unless it's something they really, really want. And obviously you can't get the user to pay for apps in this context. And if it becomes too popular Apple will close it again.
soylentcola 10y ago
Considering how so many people won't even pay a dollar or two up front for a game or app (and for these silly little Flash-type games, I often don't blame them) I can't imagine people paying $99/yr to be able to "sideload" them. I think the issue has more to do with the opacity of the approval process and possibly the role of standard web technology for distributing lightweight applications without the need for native apps or some company's approval.

SyneRyder 10y ago

Hacker answer: Yes, you can do this right now, as of Xcode 7 Apple allows you to build test apps and upload to your devices for free: http://9to5mac.com/2015/06/10/xcode-7-allows-anyone-to-download-build-and-sideload-ios-apps-for-free/ http://9to5mac.com/2015/06/10/xcode-7-allows-anyone-to-downl... Human answer: Expecting everyday users to download & install a 3GB application, learn how a compiler works, join a developer program, learn how code-signing works, even learn how to plug their phone into a computer when they probably used iCloud instead of iTunes Sync... it's just not practical. It's a usability & support nightmare with a minuscule audience. It's easier just to develop for Android. (And if Google rejects your app, the sideloading story for Android is within the reach of normal users.)

pjc50 10y ago

- Have the user get a developer account User is going to go elsewhere at this point unless it's something they really, really want. And obviously you can't get the user to pay for apps in this context. And if it becomes too popular Apple will close it again.

soylentcola 10y ago

Considering how so many people won't even pay a dollar or two up front for a game or app (and for these silly little Flash-type games, I often don't blame them) I can't imagine people paying $99/yr to be able to "sideload" them. I think the issue has more to do with the opacity of the approval process and possibly the role of standard web technology for distributing lightweight applications without the need for native apps or some company's approval.