Evaluate altstore.io

[st0nedB]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Users can't install the App without compiling it for themselves using Xcode.

Describe the solution you'd like
A easier way to install the app.

Describe alternatives you've considered
None.

Additional context
Test out altstore.io and see if it can be used to install and run the app.

[GaoMax]

Hi, I’ll try to help with the AltStore integration. I do have an paid Apple Development Account, so theoretically I could also try submitting the app or making TestFlight Builds for Testers.

[st0nedB]

Hi, at the current stage I think an official App Store release is not wise, mainly due to the implemented trick to keep the app running in the background.
I'd really appreciate if we can setup some routine to serve it through Altstore though.

[GaoMax]

AltStore deploy is pretty simple actually. In Xcode we can compile an .ipa file, which a user can side load via AltStore. The only problem is that the compiled .ipa file contains ones signing certificate, which in my case is from my company. I wouldn't like to release that one for AltStore deploy. I will investigative creating the .ipa file without signing.

[st0nedB]

Sounds good. What are the implications when using an own (e.g my own) certificate?
Thx in advance for helping out! I greatly appreciate it.

[GaoMax]

Using yours should be just fine. As I understand you are using a free developer account. If I’d sign the App using my distribution certificate anyone could install the app using just the .ipa (clicking a link with the file embedded would install it automatically).
The worst that could happen is that apple cancels your Developer Account for violating their ToS for publishing signed apps outside of the App Store. Just as a precaution I’d never publish a ipa file with my own (or your) signing certificate.
It shouldn’t be that difficult to sign without an certificate, I’ve done it before for different projects, but that was a couple of years ago.

[GaoMax]

This is an unsigned version of the current master branch. I've tried it using AltStore and it works for me.
Rooms.ipa.zip

[st0nedB]

So do I understand correctly, that we can now have something like a release page on Git to provide the latest pre-build *.ipa files?

[GaoMax]

Yes, seems like it’s working correctly based on a comment on the home assistant community. I‘ll compile new versions when pushed to git :)