How to Download APK on iPhone | 2023
Since you’ve landed here, you must be curious about how to download APK on iPhone and want to know why you can’t. It’s time to sit back, relax, and read. Soon you will have all the answers you’re looking for. Also, most users look for ways how to install APK files on iPhones without jailbreak.
Honestly speaking, it is not possible to install APK files on your iPhone. This is due to the fact that these files are intended to work on Android devices only. Android apps are built into the Dalvik executable file, which is part of the APK package.
And if we talk about iOS, it runs compiled files from IPA, which are typically encoded in the Xcode programming language. While iPhone users can’t directly download APK files from the Google Play Store, there are a few workarounds that will allow you to get your hands on the apps you want.
It’s a game changer for iOS users who wish to install Android apps on their devices but couldn’t because they hadn’t discovered this lifesaving technique. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to download APK on iPhone and explain all the basics for the new iPhone users as well.
What is an APK File?
These next few lines are for first-time iPhone users who have just heard the term APK file for the first time. To understand how to download APK on iPhone, first, you must learn what they actually are.
The abbreviation APK stands for Android Package. When you download an app or game from the Play Store, the file is downloaded to your device and saved as an APK file. APK is also referred to under other names, like Android Package Kit or Android Application Package.
But whatever you call it, one thing you should know is that APK is an Android package file type used by the Android operating system (OS). APK files are used by Android OS to distribute and download apps. In simplified terms, an APK file is designed by Google specifically for numerous Android operating systems.
When you download an APK file from the internet, you are essentially downloading a copy of the file that can be installed on any Android device. The file is similar to an executable file on Windows and can be run by opening it with the Android Package Manager.
Also: Read on to learn more about What is Android?
What Does an APK Include?
It’s time we go into much greater detail as to what an APK File consists of now that you know what it is.
You must understand that APK is more than just something created by Google. Another thing to know is that an APK file contains a META-INF file, that further consists of the signatures and resources.
In Java, Meta-INF is a file that the platform uses to set up apps, extensions, class loaders, as well as services.
Images and perhaps other resources in APK files are saved in the local library, which can be found in the Lib/ and Res/ files. The AndroidManifest.xml file, which describes the title, version, and components, is also included in an APK file.
Finally, the classes.dex, and resources.arsc files of your APK file contain collected Java classes and strings that will be operated on your Android device.
Dalvik executable (DEX) file is abbreviated as dex file. In case you’re unfamiliar, Android applications are written with Java and gathered into a .dex file, that is contained inside an APK file.
On a side note, APKs are generally very safe to download and install, but there are always apprehensions involved with running any type of code on your device. Make sure that you only download APKs from trusted sources, and always scan them for problems before installing them.
How Do I Install 3rd Party Apps on iOS?
iOS is a great platform for mobile devices, but one of its restrictions is that it only allows users to download apps from the official App Store.
This can be a problem if you want to install an app that is not available on the App Store, such as a custom app for your business or any other means. So, you are on square one, how to download apk on iPhone?
Luckily, there is a way to download 3rd party apps on iOS. You will need to use an app called TutuApp, which is a program that allows you to install apps on your iOS device that are not available in the App Store. The process is a bit time-consuming, but we will walk you through it step-by-step, as to how to download APK on iPhone.
- To get started, you must install a tweaked app on your iPhone.
- Then, download iOS APK ‘TutuApp’.
- To begin the installation, tap Install.
- Now, wait a few moments for the installation to complete.
- When the installation is complete, go to Settings -> General -> Profiles & Device Management and agree to trust the developer.
- Finally, the TutuApp will start running and you can download any 3rd party app you want on your iOS device.
How to Download APK on iPhone?
An APK file, as you probably know by now, is a film made by Google, particularly for Android devices. As a result, you will be unable to download this kind of file onto your iPhone.
APK files function differently than apps being used on iOS. Android and iOS applications do not operate together for a variety of reasons.
As a matter of fact, you should be aware that you cannot download an APK file from your iPhone directly. The only option is to use an APK version of the file that is deliberately made for iOS devices.
So the simple answer to the question ‘How to download APK on iPhone’ is that there is no way you can get an APK file on your iPhone. Rather, if an IPA version of the application or file you’re looking for is available on your iPhone’s App Store, you can go for it.
Hence, the essence is that downloading and installing APK files on iOS devices is completely impossible. But if you’re really into the app and need it on your iPhone, the IPA version is your best bet.
How to Download APK on iPhone Without Jailbreak?
Now, you would most probably be wondering what in the world is jailbreaking? With a name that already doesn’t convey a pleasant vibe, it’s a poor choice. Because whenever you search ‘how to download APK on iPhone’ the word jailbreak pops up a lot!
Jailbreaking a phone, particularly an iPhone, is a method that entails modifying the phone to gain unlimited access to file systems that the phone does not support in its default state.
Presently, people jailbreak their phones for many reasons. One of the most common reasons for this is that jailbreaking allows them to download custom applications that would otherwise be unavailable on the phone.
Because you want to download APK files on your iPhone, which is usually impossible, the right approach to achieve this goal without having to jailbreak your iPhone is to use the IPA file version. Following that, you can complete the process by following the simple steps outlined below:
- To begin, install the IPA version of the APK file you want to download.
- The next step is to download a separate app named Cydia Impactor. You won’t be allowed to log in to your Apple id to access the previously installed IPA file unless you have this app.
- As soon as you’re done, connect your apple device to either a Windows or a MAC device.
- After that, you must launch the previously installed Cydia Impactor app.
- After launching the app, go ahead and paste the previously downloaded IPA file, which is the iOS replacement of the APK file you want to install.
- You must then sign in to your Apple Account again. Then, click on the ID to initiate the IPA file installation process.
Conclusion
Though Apple’s App Store offers a huge selection of apps, sometimes you just can’t find what you’re looking for. So here is a quick summary of how to download APK on an iPhone.
The method used the most is to go for a third-party website or app. However, there are a few risks associated with this method, so we recommend only downloading from trusted sources.
Another way to download APK files is to find an equivalent IPA version on the iOS App Store. This method is generally considered to be safe, but it can only be used if you are lucky enough to find the desired IPA replacement.
Finally, you can also use a jailbreak to install APK files onto your iPhone. This method is not recommended for most users, as it can be quite complex and can result in instability on your device. We hope this blog helped you in figuring out how to download APK on iPhone.
