iOS 18 is the version where Apple was forced (by the EU's Digital Markets Act) to open the iPhone to alternative app marketplaces — but only for EU-region users. For the rest of the world, sideloading still works exactly the same as iOS 17. Here's the full iOS 18 picture.

The EU split

In the EU, iOS 18 introduces two new install paths:

  • Alternative app marketplaces — third-party app stores like AltStore PAL that operate under DMA
  • Web distribution — eligible developers can distribute apps directly from their own websites

Neither of these replace traditional Enterprise or Developer signing — they're additional paths for EU developers and users.

Outside the EU

If your device's region is not in the EU, none of the DMA features activate. Sideloading via Enterprise/Developer certificates is the only path — same as iOS 17. Install flow:

  1. Get a signed IPA.
  2. Tap the install link in Safari.
  3. Trust developer in Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
  4. Launch the app.

What changed in iOS 18 generally

  • Background refresh for sideloaded apps got more restrictive — Apple now throttles re-sign tools like AltStore more aggressively.
  • iOS 18 device classes — iPhone 15 Pro and later get features that older devices don't. Doesn't affect signing.
  • Stricter Lockdown Mode — Lockdown Mode now blocks all sideloaded apps. If your device has Lockdown enabled, turn it off to install.

EU users: which path should you pick?

  • Want to distribute YOUR app to others in EU? → consider web distribution if you're an eligible developer, or use Enterprise signing for non-EU reach.
  • Want to install OTHER apps? → AltStore PAL is now official in EU. For non-EU apps, traditional Enterprise signing still works.
  • Need installs to work globally (including non-EU)? → traditional Enterprise/Developer signing.

iOS 18 known issues

  • Trust prompt sometimes requires a device restart on 18.0 (fixed in 18.1)
  • VPN & Device Management menu may not show until first sideload completes
  • Enterprise certs revoke rate increased slightly in 18.x — pure Apple-side change, not iOS version-related

If you're upgrading from iOS 17, the experience is functionally the same outside EU.