Choosing Your App: An Ultimate Breakdown of AltStore PAL vs Classic

Choosing your app version between AltStore PAL and AltStore Classic fundamentally depends on your geographical location, your willingness to pay a small annual fee, and your specific need to sideload unauthorized modifications versus official indie apps. Specifically, AltStore Classic remains the superior choice for global users and “power users” who require the freedom to install custom .ipa files like modded games, despite the requirement of using a computer for installation. In contrast, AltStore PAL is the ideal “set-it-and-forget-it” solution for European Union residents who prefer a compliant, automated app marketplace experience without the hassle of weekly refreshes. To help you navigate this decision, this guide provides a comprehensive technical and functional breakdown of which version suits your iOS ecosystem needs in 2025.

What Are the Fundamental Differences Between AltStore PAL and Classic?

AltStore Classic is a sideloading utility that allows global users to install custom apps using a personal Apple ID and a computer, whereas AltStore PAL is an Apple-authorized App Marketplace exclusive to the EU that functions independently of a computer but requires a paid subscription.

To understand better why these two distinct versions exist and how they function differently at a core level, we must examine their underlying infrastructure and target audiences. The divergence stems largely from recent legislative changes in Europe, specifically the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forced Apple to allow third-party app stores.

Is AltStore PAL Available Outside the European Union?

No, AltStore PAL is not available outside the European Union because it relies on specific iOS entitlements that Apple has only unlocked for EU residents in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

More specifically, the availability of AltStore PAL is strictly enforced through a rigorous geo-locking mechanism known as “geo-fencing.” When you attempt to install AltStore PAL from the web, iOS performs an on-device check to verify your location eligibility. This check is not merely based on your current IP address but involves a complex assessment of your Apple ID’s billing address, your current physical location, and the region settings of your iOS device. If any of these metrics indicate that you are outside the 27 European Union member states, the installation will be blocked by the operating system itself.

Consequently, users in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Asia, and other non-EU regions cannot access AltStore PAL. For these demographics, AltStore Classic remains the only viable option. It is important to note that using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is generally ineffective for bypassing this restriction because the eligibility check is tied deeply to the Apple ID account history and billing information, not just the network connection. This strictly delineates the user base: PAL is a regional product for a compliant market, while Classic is the global standard for sideloading.

Does AltStore Classic Require a Computer for Installation?

Yes, AltStore Classic requires a computer (running macOS or Windows) to install the initial AltStore app onto your iPhone or iPad via the companion application known as AltServer.

To illustrate, the installation process for AltStore Classic is fundamentally different from downloading an app from the App Store or installing AltStore PAL from the web. Because AltStore Classic operates by “tricking” the iPhone into thinking you are a developer testing your own app, it requires a desktop client to communicate with the device.

• The Role of AltServer: You must install AltServer on your PC or Mac. This software acts as the signing authority. When you connect your iPhone via a USB cable, AltServer uses your Apple ID to generate a personal developer certificate and signs the AltStore app file, allowing it to run on your non-jailbroken device.
• The Mail Plug-in (macOS): On macOS, this process often requires a specific Mail app plug-in to be active, which handles the authentication with Apple’s servers.
• Dependence on Connection: Even after the initial installation, AltStore Classic maintains a dependency on the computer. To refresh apps or install new ones, the mobile device must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer running AltServer, or connected via cable.

In contrast, AltStore PAL leverages the new “Web Distribution” entitlement. Users in the EU can simply visit the AltStore website in Safari, click “Install,” and approve the marketplace in their iOS settings. No computer, no cable, and no desktop server software are required, offering a significantly more streamlined “native” experience compared to the technical setup of Classic.

Which Version is Better for Sideloading Custom IPAs?

AltStore Classic is significantly better for sideloading custom IPAs because it allows the installation of any arbitrary .ipa file, whereas AltStore PAL restricts installations to notarized apps from verified sources approved by Apple.

Specifically, this distinction is the deciding factor for users interested in the “grey market” of iOS apps, such as hacked games, tweaked social media clients, or tools that technically violate Apple’s rigid App Store guidelines. While PAL offers convenience, Classic offers freedom.

Can You Install Modded Games on AltStore PAL?

No, you generally cannot install modded games on AltStore PAL because all apps distributed through PAL must undergo Apple’s mandatory notarization process, which detects and rejects modified code or copyright infringements.

More specifically, the ecosystem of AltStore PAL is built upon Apple’s new API for alternative marketplaces. While this allows for apps that Apple might reject for business reasons (like the Delta emulator or clipboard managers), it does not mean “anything goes.” To be listed in a Source on AltStore PAL, a developer must submit their app binary to Apple for a security and privacy check called notarization.

• The Notarization Barrier: Apple’s automated systems scan the code for malware, but they also verify the integrity of the binary. Modded games, often downloaded from sites like iOSGods or IPAOmatic, involve injecting dynamic libraries (.dylib) into the original game executable to unlock currency, god mode, or skins.
• Signature Failures: These modified binaries cannot pass Apple’s notarization because the code signature has been tampered with. Therefore, you cannot simply add a “Modded Games Source” to AltStore PAL.
• The “Sideloading” Feature Gap: Unlike Classic, which has a prominent “+” button allowing you to pick any .ipa file from your Files app and sign it with your personal certificate, PAL is designed to install apps from “Sources” (JSON files hosting app data). While there are technical workarounds emerging, the out-of-the-box experience of PAL effectively blocks the installation of cracked or modded content.

What is the 3-App Limit and Does It Apply to Both?

The 3-app limit is a restriction on free developer accounts allowing only 3 active apps simultaneously on a device, which applies strictly to AltStore Classic, while AltStore PAL allows unlimited app installations.

To elaborate, this is one of the most significant functional differences impacting user experience.

• AltStore Classic Limitations: When you use a free Apple ID to sideload apps via Classic, Apple restricts you to three active “provisioning profiles.” Since AltStore itself counts as one app, you effectively only have two “slots” left for other apps (e.g., Delta and a Spotify tweak). If you want to install a fourth app, you must deactivate one of the existing ones. This is a hard limit enforced by Apple’s free developer tier.
• AltStore PAL Advantages: Because AltStore PAL operates under the Marketplace entitlement, apps installed through it do not count against your personal developer limit. They are treated similarly to App Store apps. You can install Delta, Clip, UTM, and a dozen other apps from PAL sources without ever worrying about running out of “slots.”
• Implications for Power Users: For users who want a library of emulators or utilities, PAL removes the juggling act required by Classic. However, if those utilities are custom IPAs that aren’t on PAL, the user is forced back into the 3-app constraint of Classic.

How Do Cost and Renewal Rules Compare?

AltStore Classic is completely free but requires manual maintenance, while AltStore PAL costs approximately €1.50 per year plus tax to cover Apple fees but offers automatic, background updates without expiration.

To start, the trade-off here is between financial cost and “labor” cost. Users must decide if they prefer a free experience that demands weekly attention or a paid experience that functions autonomously.

Do I Need to Refresh Apps Every 7 Days with AltStore PAL?

No, you do not need to refresh apps every 7 days with AltStore PAL because apps installed via the marketplace use a permanent distribution certificate that does not expire weekly like the personal development certificates used in Classic.

More specifically, the “7-day refresh” is the bane of the AltStore Classic user’s existence.

• The Classic Mechanism: When you sign an app with a free Apple ID (Standard Sideloading), the digital signature is valid for only 7 days. If you do not refresh the app within that window by connecting to AltServer, the app will crash upon opening. This requires the user to consistently ensure their phone and computer connect to the same Wi-Fi network at least once a week to “re-sign” the apps.
• The PAL Mechanism: Apps downloaded from AltStore PAL are cryptographically signed by the developer for mass distribution, not by you personally. These signatures are valid for a year or more and are managed by the marketplace. Furthermore, AltStore PAL supports automatic background updates. When a developer pushes an update to Delta or Clip, PAL can download and install it silently in the background, just like the official App Store. This eliminates the anxiety of traveling without your computer and having your apps expire.

Is AltStore Classic Completely Free to Use?

Yes, AltStore Classic is completely free to use for the core sideloading functionality, though users can optionally pledge to the developer’s Patreon for beta features like specific high-performance compilation modes (JIT).

Specifically, the barriers to entry for Classic are purely technical, not financial. You can download AltServer, install the mail plugin, and sideload your three apps without paying a cent.

• The Core Technology Fee (CTF) Difference: The reason PAL costs money is due to the European Union’s DMA rules. Apple charges developers a “Core Technology Fee” of €0.50 for every first annual install of an app once it crosses a certain threshold. To make the business model sustainable, the developers of AltStore PAL (Riley Testut and Shane Gill) pass this fee onto the user.
• The Fee Structure: The fee for PAL (roughly €1.50 + tax) covers the Apple CTF and the transaction processing fees. This makes it a paid product by necessity.
• Classic’s Model: Since Classic uses your own Apple ID as a “developer” for testing, it bypasses the commercial distribution fees entirely. It operates within the existing (and free) infrastructure of Xcode developer tools, making it permanently free for the end user, provided they accept the limitations.

Which AltStore Version Should You Install in 2025?

You should install AltStore Classic if you are outside the EU or need to sideload modded games, whereas you should install AltStore PAL if you are an EU resident seeking a hassle-free, official emulator experience.

Below, we categorize the decision based on specific user personas and technical requirements to help you identify exactly where you fit.

Scenario A: The “Modder” & Global User (Choose Classic)

If you fall into this category, AltStore Classic is your only viable option.

• Location: You live in the US, UK, Asia, or South America.
• Intent: Your primary goal is to install modified apps, such as uYouEnhanced (YouTube tweak), Spotify++, or hacked games from iOSGods.
• Tolerance: You are willing to set up AltServer on a PC and remember to refresh your apps weekly.
• Why: PAL cannot serve you because of geo-restrictions and the inability to sign custom, non-notarized .ipa files.

Scenario B: The “Retro Gamer” in Europe (Choose PAL)

If you are an EU resident who just wants to play Nintendo games on your iPhone, AltStore PAL is the superior choice.

• Location: You live in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.
• Intent: You want the Delta Emulator or Clip clipboard manager, and you want them to work reliably without maintenance.
• Tolerance: You are happy to pay ~€1.50/year for convenience and don’t want to install software on your computer.
• Why: PAL provides a native App Store experience. You install it once, and your apps update automatically and never expire.

Can I Have Both AltStore PAL and Classic Installed?

Yes, you can have both AltStore PAL and Classic installed on the same device if you are in the European Union, allowing you to utilize PAL for stable, official apps and Classic for experimental or modded sideloading.

To illustrate, this “hybrid” setup is arguably the ultimate configuration for an iOS power user in Europe.

• Partitioning Your Use: You can use AltStore PAL to install the official version of Delta (Game Emulator). Since this is installed via the Marketplace, it does not use up one of your 3 free Apple ID slots, and it will never expire.
• Maximizing Classic: With Delta offloaded to PAL, you now have all 3 slots in AltStore Classic available for other purposes. You could use these slots for a modded Instagram, a hacked game, and a torrent client—apps that would never be allowed on PAL.
• The Benefit: This setup maximizes your app capacity. You get the stability and auto-updates of PAL for critical tools, while retaining the “wild west” freedom of Classic for specific tweaks, essentially bypassing the limitations of both systems by running them in parallel.

What Are the Security Implications of Notarization vs Sideloading?

Notarization provides a baseline safety check by Apple to prevent malware execution, whereas traditional sideloading bypasses these checks entirely, offering greater freedom but relying solely on the user’s discretion regarding source safety.

Furthermore, the distinction between these two methods fundamentally alters how applications interact with the iOS operating system, specifically regarding Sandboxing and performance optimization techniques like JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation.

When you use AltStore Classic to sideload an app, you are essentially signing the code yourself. This “Wild West” approach allows for unique exploitations of the system that Apple officially prohibits. The most significant example is JIT compilation, a process where computer code is compiled into machine code during execution rather than before. This is critical for high-performance emulation (such as DolphiniOS for GameCube/Wii emulation), as it allows the software to run at full speed. AltStore Classic facilitates this via a feature called AltJIT, which tricks the device into allowing JIT execution. Conversely, AltStore PAL, because it operates under Apple’s official Web Distribution framework, must adhere to stricter security protocols that currently disable JIT access, rendering some high-end emulators less effective or non-functional compared to their sideloaded counterparts.

What is Apple Notarization in the Context of AltStore PAL?

To understand why AltStore PAL is considered “safer” than the Classic version for the average user, it is essential to define the scope of Apple’s notarization process for third-party marketplaces.

Unlike the rigorous and often arbitrary review process of the main App Store, Notarization for AltStore PAL is purely a security and technical check. Apple scans the submitted binaries for known malware, viruses, and security vulnerabilities without passing judgment on the content or functionality of the app. This creates a “middle ground” security model: the app is verified to be code-safe and signed with a valid Developer ID, ensuring it hasn’t been tampered with, yet it remains free from Apple’s editorial guidelines. In contrast, installing a random IPA file via AltStore Classic offers zero guarantees; if the source file contains malicious code, the system will not warn you before installation.

• Malware Scanning: Apple automatically checks the code for malicious software and security threats before allowing it on PAL.
• Technical Validity: Ensures the app runs properly on iOS and is signed by a verified developer, preventing anonymous bad actors from distributing broken code.
• No Content Censorship: Unlike the main App Store, notarization does not reject apps based on business conflicts or content policies, allowing emulators and clipboard managers to exist.

Will Sideloading Come to Users Outside the EU?

While the current existence of AltStore PAL is a direct result of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), the legal pressure on Apple’s “Walled Garden” ecosystem is intensifying globally, suggesting that this model may eventually expand beyond Europe.

The geopolitical landscape regarding digital monopolies is shifting rapidly. In the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched significant antitrust lawsuits against Apple, arguing that the company’s monopoly on app distribution harms consumers and developers. Similarly, regulators in Japan have proposed legislation modeled after the EU’s DMA, which would mandate third-party app stores and payment systems. If these legislative efforts succeed, Apple may be forced to harmonize its software policies worldwide, potentially bringing the AltStore PAL model—and legitimate sideloading—to the US and Asian markets.

• US Antitrust Pressure: The DOJ’s ongoing lawsuit specifically targets Apple’s control over app distribution, potentially forcing an opening of the ecosystem.
• Japan’s Regulatory Alignment: Japan is drafting regulations similar to the DMA, explicitly aiming to allow third-party app marketplaces on iOS.
• Global Standardization: As more regions enforce openness, maintaining separate iOS builds (EU vs. Global) becomes technically and legally burdensome for Apple, favoring a unified, open system eventually.