For Apple iPhone users who have long sought the ability to engage in torrenting, the landscape has shifted significantly within the European Union. Historically, the presence of torrent apps on iOS devices has been a contentious issue, with Apple firmly opposing their availability. The company’s rationale stems from concerns regarding the potential for these applications to facilitate the unauthorized downloading of paid software and media, a practice that contradicts Apple’s ethos. However, recent developments have ushered in a new era for users in the EU, as they can now legally download and utilize torrent apps on their iPhones, thanks to Apple’s compliance with new EU regulations that permit third-party app stores on iOS devices.
Among the notable entrants into this newly accessible realm is AltStore PAL, a third-party app store that has recently made its debut on iPhones in the EU. This platform has introduced two innovative torrenting applications: iTorrent and qBitControl. With iTorrent, users can directly download torrents onto their iPhones, while qBitControl serves as a remote management tool for torrent clients. This marks a significant milestone, as it allows users to access torrent apps without the need to jailbreak their devices—an unprecedented development in the history of the iPhone.
Torrent Apps On iPhone: Which Are The New Apps, And Can You Download Them Outside EU?
The newly available apps on the AltStore PAL store include:
- iTorrent: A torrent client that enables direct downloads of torrents on iPhones.
- qBitControl: A remote client designed for managing torrent downloads.
However, it is crucial to note that the legal framework allowing these apps to flourish is confined to the EU. Outside this region, the ruling mandating Apple to permit third-party app stores does not hold, meaning that users in other parts of the world will not have the same access. While some individuals have attempted to circumvent these restrictions through Developer Mode and other means, such actions remain illegal and are not advisable.
Apple Is Strictly Against Torrents And Sideloading
Apple’s stringent stance against torrent applications is well-documented, and the company continues to uphold its policies globally. In the past, Apple has rejected numerous torrent apps, including the widely recognized uTorrent. The company’s prohibition extends beyond merely preventing the availability of these apps during the app review process; Apple actively works to shut down applications that are designed to remotely control torrent clients. This unwavering commitment to maintaining a controlled app ecosystem underscores Apple’s broader strategy to safeguard its platform from potential misuse.
