Jailbreak Tweaks
Updated May 19, 2024
One of the main challenges of installing IPA files on iOS is the risk of revokes, or the requirement to have access to a desktop for sideloading the app. Fortunately, for jailbreak users, there is AppSync Unified. This IPA installer for iOS has emerged as a go-to option for those who want to install IPA files on their jailbroken iPhone. Thanks to ElleKit fix now it also supports fully rootless Dopamine jailbreak on iOS 15 and iOS 16.
Repository
AppSync Unified was released through Akemi Repository and this is the recommended method to install the tweak on iOS 15 and iOS 16. Add the official AppSync Unified to your package manager and install the rootful or rootless version of the package.
What is AppSync Unified?
AppSync Unified is a jailbreak tweak that allows users to install fakesigned, ad-hoc signed, and also unsigned IPA files on all supported iOS devices. The tweak integrates with the system and works with multiple popular signing tools for iOS devices, also the latest iOS 16 release. The most recent release supports rootless jailbreaks such as Palera1n, XinaA15, and Dopamine.
This amazing tweak is used mostly to install freely-distributed apps that are not available in the App Store. There is no need to re-sign the apps every 7 days (if the user does not have a paid Apple Developer Program). What's more, you can clone already-installed apps.
AppSync Unified dynamic library is compatible with iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7, iOS 8, iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11, iOS 12, iOS 13, iOS 14, iOS 15, and iOS 16. Recently, the unsigned IPA installer was updated with support for iOS 15.0 – iOS 16.3. Both Palera1n and XinaA15 jailbreaks are supported. With the latest ElleKit you can now also enjoy the full potential of AppSync Unified on Dopamine.
AppSync Unified 106.0 doesn't offer only support for iOS 15.0 – iOS 16.3, but also comes with other improvements. Added support for the SignerType key to ASU's fake codesigning info dictionary, which is required by iOS 15 – iOS 16 in order to successfully install fakesigned apps.
AppSync Unified now declares all fakesigned apps as originating from the App Store. It offers multiple improvements to the package installation flow. The CFUserNotification now no longer blocks the main thread, and is now only ever shown if the user is installing the package from an actual APT GUI frontend that implements the ${CYDIA} environment variable.
What's new
- Added support for all iOS versions up to iOS 16.5.1.
- Added support for "rootless" mode jailbreaks. Users using the Dopamine jailbreak may encounter issues.
- Made many internal refactors and improvements to AppSync Unified's code and associated tooling.
- Improved the functionality of asu_inject and added support for inject_criticald for wider jailbreak support. (No jailbreak that uses inject_criticald requires the use of asu_inject — this is simply a futureproofing measure.)
- Improved documentation regarding userspace reboot.
- Removed the arm64e architecture slice from binaries that did not need one.
How does AppSync Unified work?
AppSync Unified patches installd daemon, allowing the system to install unsigned IPA files on iPhone or iPad. Unlike Cydia Impactor or Sideloadly there is no 3 app limit per device or need to use the 7-day certificate. AppSync will install unsigned IPA on iOS, also on iOS 16.
This Cydia jailbreak tweak can also be used to downgrade installed apps. AppSync library utilizes the dynamic hooking function MSHookFunction() in Cydia Substrate to bypass installd's signature checks. This means the tweak does not modify system files.
Everything works in the background, so you can use to install IPA files on iOS with your favorite tool. Install apps directly from the terminal, or use tools like Filza, Reprovison Reborn, or AppCake. On top of that, AppSync Unified is integrated with Panda Helper Lite App Store.
AppSync doesn't come with any kind of interface or settings for configuration. Please do not use AppSync Unified to pirate iOS applications. This is a development tool designed in mind for iOS app developers. Always install the AppSync Unified tweak for iOS from the official Repo.
AppSync Unified is an open-source dynamic library for iOS 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, iOS 14, iOS 15, and iOS 16. All files are available through GitHub Repo. You can build the project on macOS. The code was written in multiple languages such as Objective-C, Objective-C++, C++, and C.
As long as you have standard libraries for Xcode projects (version 7), make sure you have installed Theos libraries. Source Code is under GNU General Public License. Recent changes to the source code including support for the latest iOS 16 were added on 20 Dec 2022.
AppSync Unified for rootless jailbreaks
AppSync Unified has been recently updated to extend support for rootless jailbreaks. However, a bug was discovered in ElleKit, affecting certain devices and configurations, and causing a process crash during IPA installation. This issue specifically impacted the installation process on Dopamine and Palera1n. Fortunately, the ElleKit developer has addressed these problems.
As a result, the installation issue no longer persists on devices, ensuring a smooth experience for users. The latest beta version of ElleKit library should now work on both rootless and rootful jailbreaks. You can download the latest test build for iOS 15 – iOS 16 from this link.
How to use AppSync Unified to install IPA
As mentioned already, AppSync Unified works in the background and there is no usage of the tweak itself. However, I will share with you how to install unsigned IPA packages on iOS 14, iOS 15, & iOS 16 directly from the terminal using a command-line tool.
To install IPA on a jailbroken iPhone from the terminal, it's required to install appinst package and a terminal app like for example NewTerm 2 or NewTerm 3.
- Be sure to have Karen's Repository listed.
- Open Sileo and search for “appinst ”, and next “NewTerm”.
- Install the packages.
- Open NewTerm and use the command to install IPA.
appinst -i /var/mobile/Documents/your_file.IPA
- Access the installed app from the Home Screen.
A more convenient way would be to use an app that will help with this process. Let's use Filza to install an IPA file on iPhone. The example below shows you how exactly to do it.
Step 1. Download IPA file from Safari browser.
Step 2. Share the IPA file to Filza or AppCake.
Step 3. Send the file to Filza and click Install.
Step 4. Access the app from the Home Screen.
After the app is installed, it will be available from the Home Screen on your device. To remove the app wiggle the screen as you would do with any other iOS app installed from the App Store. IPA installation with Filza + appinst works on both Palera1n and XinaA15 jailbreaks.
How to install AppSync Unified for iOS 16
AppSync Unified tweak is released through the private Karen's Repository. Add the official AppSync Unified Repo to your list of Cydia Sources and install this IPA installer for iOS 14 – iOS 16. In Karen's Repo, you can also find an updated appinst package allowing you to install IPAs. In the same repository, you can find AppSync Unified rootless package for iOS 15 and iOS 16.
To install AppSync Unified on your jailbroken iOS device, follow the steps:
- Open the Cydia app from the Home Screen.
- Tap on the Sources tab, then select Edit.
- Add the following repository URL:
https://cydia.akemi.ai/
- Search for AppSync Unified tweak and install the package.
- Restart the Springboard to complete the installation process.
- This tweak will run in the background. No options to configure are available.
For added convenience, you can quickly add the repo to your preferred package managers (Sileo, Installer, Zebra) by using the convenient quick links provided at the top of this page. With just one click, you can easily add the repo and AppSync Unified for iOS 15 and iOS 16.
Written by
Kuba Pawlak
Kuba has over 20 years of experience in journalism, focusing on jailbreak since 2012. He has interviewed professionals from various companies. Besides journalism, Kuba specializes in video editing and drone flying. He studied IT at university before his writing career.