An iOS Package Archive is a file format used by Apple’s mobile operating system to distribute applications. These files contain the compiled code, resources, and metadata necessary for installation on devices such as iPhones and iPads. Obtaining such a file allows a user to install an application outside of the official App Store, typically through sideloading methods or alternative app marketplaces.
The capacity to acquire and deploy application packages offers several advantages. It enables developers to test beta versions of their apps directly on devices. Furthermore, users may gain access to applications that are not available in their region’s App Store or that have been removed for policy reasons. Historically, this functionality has been used to circumvent restrictions or to install custom-built applications for internal use within organizations.