To this day, AltStore remains the most popular way for iPhone and iPad users to sideload apps, but it has the sometimes-pesky requirement of needing a computer, which isn’t always available when you need it most. For this reason, there have been several attempts to create a computerless sideloading alternative for iPhone and iPad users, such as SideStore.
On Thursday, an interesting post popped up on /r/jailbreak – namely an upcoming release announcement for an app called Silque that is currently in its beta stages and enables computerless .ipa file sideloading and app management with no jailbreak required. It also promises not to require “clunky tools” or “shady web platforms,” while bundling everything together into a modern and intuitive app interface users will appreciate.
Citing the developer’s own words in the announcement post, Silque will be comprised of the following feature set:
• Easy IPA Import Add your IPA files directly from the Files app, AirDrop, or other sources. Silque automatically detects new files and displays them in a clean, organized list.
• Smart App Management See all your imported apps at a glance, with icons, names, versions, install dates, and bundle IDs. Instantly find any app with the built-in search—even if your library is huge.
• One-Tap App Signing Turn any IPA file into a signed, installable app in seconds. Silque handles all the signing steps seamlessly, whether locally or with integrated tools.
• Download & OTA Support Track your IPA downloads live, cancel or restart any time, and easily re-install apps via OTA links.
• Stats & Organization See your total number of apps, recent installs, and apps ready for OTA—all at a glance.
• Modern, Customizable UI Enjoy a polished interface with light/dark mode, fluid animations, and customizable accent colors.
• Pull to Refresh & Gestures Refresh your app and IPA lists with a simple swipe, just like the best iOS apps.
• Private & Secure Everything stays local on your device—no data collection, no remote servers, your app library is yours.
As it would seem, the developer intends for Silque to be a one-stop-shop for all your .ipa sideloading needs. The app strives to let you import .ipa files from your device’s Files app or other sources, sign them with just a tap, and then view installed app information, statistics, and management options all from the same app.
“Why Silque? Installing custom apps, emulators, or tools on iPhone/iPad shouldn’t require advanced skills or risky methods,” the developer, /u/Antony__m, explains. “Silque democratizes IPA sideloading—no jailbreak needed, no sketchy workarounds, just a smooth and secure experience.”
As we eluded to earlier, the Silque app is currently in beta, and the beta is only available in French at this time. In its current state, it can sign apps using P12 certificates, but the developer wants to offer built-in certificates at launch for a small fee so that users can sign as many apps as they want for one full year within the limitations of Apple’s sideloading allowance.
The developer says that the app will be available in English at launch, but there’s no ETA as of yet for when a full launch will occur. In the meantime, the developer is taking feedback and suggestions to improve the beta before launch.
As AltStore continues to reign supreme as the preferred and trusted sideloading method for iPhones and iPads today, it remains to be seen if a new contender than de-throne AltStore and become the new community favorite. It’s a tall order, but certainly within reach if the developer’s goal of a truly no-nonsense and computerless sideloading platform can be achieved.
It will be interesting to see where this project goes, and we’ll be monitoring it closely.
