Overview

This guide explains how to prepare and submit your iOS applications to AltHub Central for distribution through AltStore. It covers both AltStore Classic and AltStore PAL (EU) formats.

App Guidelines

To ensure a smooth review process and maintain quality standards, please follow these guidelines when submitting your app:

Allowed Content

• Utilities and tools that enhance iOS functionality
• Games and entertainment apps
• Development and creative tools
• Educational apps
• Emulators (that don't include copyrighted ROMs)

Prohibited Content

• Malware or apps designed to harm devices or compromise security
• Apps that violate Apple's intellectual property rights
• Pirated content or tools designed primarily for piracy
• Apps that collect user data without clear disclosure
• Discriminatory or hateful content

App Preparation for AltStore Classic

App Preparation for AltStore PAL (EU)

App Metadata Format

Your app listing requires the following metadata in JSON format:

{
  "name": "Your App Name",
  "bundleIdentifier": "com.yourdomain.appname",
  "developerName": "Your Name or Company",
  "subtitle": "Brief app description",
  "localizedDescription": "Detailed description of your app.",
  "iconURL": "https://example.com/path/to/app-icon.png",
  "tintColor": "#HEX_COLOR",
  "category": "category_name",
  "screenshots": [
    "https://example.com/path/to/screenshot1.png",
    "https://example.com/path/to/screenshot2.png"
  ],
  "versions": [
    {
      "version": "1.0",
      "buildVersion": "1",
      "date": "2025-07-13",
      "localizedDescription": "Version description",
      "downloadURL": "https://example.com/path/to/app.ipa",
      "minOSVersion": "14.0"
    }
  ],
  "appPermissions": {
    "entitlements": [
      "com.apple.security.application-groups"
    ],
    "privacy": {
      "NSCameraUsageDescription": "App uses the camera to take photos."
    }
  }
}

Key Descriptions

Submission Process

Step 1: Register/Sign In

Create an account or sign in to your existing account on AltHub Central.

Step 2: Submit Your App

Step 3: Review Process

Our team will review your app submission to ensure it meets our guidelines and doesn't contain harmful content. This process typically takes 1-3 business days.

Step 4: App Approval

Once approved, your app will appear in the AltHub Central repository and will be available to all users who have added our source to their AltStore.

Updating Your App

To update your existing app:

App Size Optimization

• Keep your IPA files as small as possible (ideally under 100MB).
• Use app thinning features to reduce size:
  • Bitcode (if applicable)
  • App slicing
  • On-demand resources
• Remove unnecessary resources before building:
  • Debug symbols
  • Unused assets
  • Test files
• Compress images and other media files.

Screenshots

• Use high-quality screenshots that showcase your app's main features.
• Optimize screenshot file sizes using WebP format when possible.
• Include at least 3 screenshots, but no more than 5.
• Consider adding device frames to make your screenshots more professional.
• Show different aspects of your app to give users a complete understanding of its functionality.

App Descriptions

• Be clear and concise about what your app does.
• List all major features.
• Mention any limitations or special requirements.
• Include keywords that users might search for.
• Consider adding a brief "How to Use" section for more complex apps.

Support

If you have any questions or need assistance with your submission, please contact our developer support team at [email protected].

Common Issues

• App installation failures
• Certificate validation problems
• Metadata formatting errors
• Entitlements configuration

Our team is available to help with any technical issues you might encounter during the submission process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit apps that were rejected from the App Store?

Yes, you can submit apps that were rejected from the App Store as long as they comply with our guidelines and don't violate any laws or intellectual property rights.

Do I need a paid Apple Developer account?

No, you can use a free Apple Developer account to sign your apps for submission to AltHub Central.

How often can I update my app?

You can submit updates as often as needed, but each update will go through our review process.

Can I monetize my app on AltHub Central?

Yes, you can implement your own payment systems or subscription models within your app.

How do I report a policy violation?

If you believe an app on AltHub Central violates our policies, please email us at [email protected] with details.

App Permissions

AltHub Central requires transparency about what permissions your app uses. During the submission process, you'll need to specify:

Entitlements

Entitlements define the capabilities and security permissions of your app, such as:

• com.apple.security.application-groups - For shared app containers
• com.apple.developer.networking.wifi-info - For accessing WiFi information
• com.apple.developer.healthkit - For HealthKit access
• And many others

Privacy Permissions

These are the keys from your Info.plist that request access to sensitive user data, such as:

• NSCameraUsageDescription - Camera access
• NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription - Location access
• NSMicrophoneUsageDescription - Microphone access

Finding Your Entitlements and Permissions