iTorrent: Apple apparently withdraws sideloading license from developers
Alt stores allow iTorrent on EU iPhones, but Apple has blocked its dev portal distribution for weeks—without explanation.
(Image: heise medien)
The BitTorrent client iTorrent is no longer available via the AltStore in the EU. Apple has removed the necessary authorization to distribute apps in alternative app marketplaces "without warning", the developer complains in a Github thread, meaning that he can no longer make the app available – either in the AltStore or via another alternative app marketplace. He had contacted the iPhone company, but after a long wait only received "generic garbage" in response. Most recently, he was told by Apple's developer support that new information had been "requested from the escalation team".
iTorrent problem has existed for weeks
The problem has existed since mid-July and is still unresolved weeks later. The alternative app marketplace AltStore PAL, through which iTorrent could previously be downloaded, is also at a loss. Something has gone wrong in Apple's app distribution portal "App Store Connect" and has resulted in iTorrent no longer being listed in AltStore PAL, writes the provider Riley Testut, noting that it is one of the most popular apps there. AltStore has been in contact with Apple for weeks, but nothing has changed. It is "really difficult to run an app marketplace when apps simply disappear at random", says Testut.
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Whether Apple is deliberately blocking iTorrent or whether it is just the shaky framework for sideloading iOS apps, which Apple does not want, that is causing problems remains to be seen. Another BitTorrent client can still be found in the AltStore –, as can a porn app that Apple has grudgingly allowed.
Apple allows sideloading – but reluctantly
The Digital Markets Act forces Apple within the EU to allow alternative app stores and sideloading app distribution via a website. Recently, the company had to significantly streamline the previously cumbersome download procedure for app stores so that normal users can now also do this.
However, developers still have to register for Apple's dev portal and submit their apps to Apple for review, even for distribution outside the App Store. According to its own information, Apple checks the apps both automatically and by employees, but has vowed to no longer intervene in the content of alternative distribution channels. In at least two cases, the company nevertheless blocked sideloading apps, including a Macintosh 128K emulator and a virtualizer. The latter was finally approved by the company, probably under pressure from the EU Commission.
(lbe)
