The App Store is packed with millions of wonderful and practical applications and games. All you need to do is tap on the “Get Now” button and you can install and enjoy the app on your device. But there can be times when you want to install an app that is not available on the App Store. Usually, when you try to install applications from external sources, you’ll find a lot of APK files through which you can run the apps.
But unfortunately, iOS cannot read APK files!
What Is An APK File?
APK aka Android Package is a widely popular file format used by Android operating systems. These files are exclusively used to install applications and games on Android devices only.
Can You Download APK Files On iPhone?
Well, technically speaking APK files cannot be used on iOS devices. And there are a couple of reasons for the same. Firstly, iOS is a closed platform (this means, Apple has entire control over both the software and hardware). Secondly, APKs are programmed in different languages that Apple devices don’t support. Thirdly, these types of file formats require a variant of a ‘Java type’ run process which Apple products aren’t compatible with.
However, with a few hacks you can install and run APK files.
Is It Safe To Install APK On iOS?
Generally, APKs aren’t subjected to the same security protocols as those apps that are available on Google Play Store. They might contain malware or viruses.
But if you are keen to install an APK file on an iPhone, you can either choose to jailbreak your phone or look for the iOS equivalent (IPA) of that APK file.
How To Install & Launch APK on iOS?
So, without any further ado, let’s look at some of the best approaches to use an APK on an iPhone.
METHOD 1 = Perform Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking your iOS will simply modify the file system of your device. This way you will be able to install custom applications on your device without any hassle. But it is important to note that jailbreaking your device will forfeit the warranty and extended warranty or care package you have purchased. There are a couple of disadvantages of jailbreaking your iPhone/iPad. Hence, proceed at your own risk!
METHOD 2 = Find The IPA Equivalent
Surf the web and download the IPA version of the APK file you’re looking to download. After that you need to follow the instructions shared below:
STEP 1 = Install the app Cydia Impactor. Without the application, you won’t be able to sign in to your Apple account to use the recently downloaded IPA file.
STEP 2 = Now, connect your iOS device using Windows or Mac.
STEP 3 = Once the connection is established, launch the Cydia Impactor app on your iOS device.
STEP 4 = Upon launch, you need to paste the already downloaded IPA version of the APK file you wish to download.
STEP 5 = At this step, you need to re-sign into your Apple ID. After that, tap on the ID to begin the installation process of the IPA file.
You might want to read this: 10 Best Sites For Safe Android APK Downloads
METHOD 2 = Use An Android Emulator To Install APK on iOS
Android emulation tools are powerful utilities that are used to convert any device into an Android Operating System. This way, you can have your iPhone behave like an Android and install those APKs. But before proceeding, you need to fulfil the following system requirements to run an emulator:
- Your iOS device must have a 64-bit processor
- An updated SDK Manager
- A pre-installed Cydia
Once you complete these perquisites, the next step is to choose a good Android emulator that can transform your iOS into Android. Some popular choices are: i Android and BlueStacks Android Emulators. Now, you can follow the step-by-step instructions to run the emulator:
STEP 1 = Launch the Cydia app and hit the “Manage” option.
STEP 2 = You will see the following options – Package, Sources and Storage. Click on the Source button!
STEP 3 = All the sources of Cydia will be shown on the screen. You need to find HTTP//: apt.modmyi.com.
STEP 4 = At this step, you need to add this source to your iOS device.
STEP 5 = This will appear on your phone as other applications. You need to open it and look for iAndroid.
STEP 6 = That’s it! Install the iAndroid app and enjoy your new operating system by replacing the iOS.
Now you can download the APK files on your iOS just like you do it on your Android device.
Hope this blog post helps you to download and run APKs on iOS. If you know any other way to execute the process, do share it with us in the comments section below!
Also Read: Best iOS Emulators For Windows 10 PC
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