They first download the target app from the app store and install it on their device.Whoever is uploading the apps goes through this process: This process requires jailbreaking but only to create the ipa, installing it is done automatically on the device by iOS. Distributing and using a developer's certificate in this way of making cracked apps of course violates Apple's policies and those certificates will be voided as soon as Apple finds out but that can take a very long time.ĮDIT: There seems to be some confusion as to how App Store apps are being installed for free on devices. The distribution certificate is normally used for companies wanting to distribute an app designed specifically for their working environment with no need to upload to the App Store. Jailbreaking eliminates the need for code-signing. This allows downloading of cracked apps on a non-jailbroken iDevice. iOS treats these like regular signed apps and doesn't check with the App Store because they were never uploaded.

These legally signed apps are then uploaded to a website and then downloaded by the user or distributed by some other means. They will purchase the real app, extract the IPA file, and then re-sign it. The apps are most likely re-signed with the developers (person creating these so called 'cracked apps' own distribution certificate. If the tongbu signs the apps using an enterprise license, is it really possible to get an enterprise license for each app? I think the Q/A at this link on SO does not reply to my Q as well. Obviously one of them is fake, unverified but at the same time can install apps without the need to jailbreak. Facebook? If possible, can it be resigned?

ipa file of an application hosted on AppStore? i.e. But I cannot understand how these AppStores install those Apps that are available on Apple AppStore, like Facebook !!! It seems that these Apps are installed on the device by a certificate generated by an enterprise developer license, so it can be installed on any device without any limitations.

Regarding the fact that Apple forbids third-party stores, I just want to know how these apps are signed to be installed on Apple devices? Does these Apps first jailbreak the device?ĭoes apple allow changing/updating the Signature of an app? Facebook, Google Map, etc.) or their own apps on non-jailbroken devices. These online stores are able to install free Appstore apps (i.e. I've recently evidenced a set of third party illegal appstores that re-distibute iOS apps.

Tongbu download for ios