🌍 Sideloading Overview for Global Testers
While c64ermu prepares for its public storefront debut, physical iPhone and iPad users worldwide (USA, Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.) can install early release builds directly onto their devices without jailbreaking. Choose one of the verified installation methods below.
⚡ Method 1: AltStore Classic (Recommended for Mac & Windows)
AltStore is the most seamless way to install and automatically refresh apps wirelessly over your local Wi-Fi network.
- Install AltServer: Download and install AltServer on your Mac or Windows PC from altstore.io.
- Install AltStore on Device: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer via cable, open AltServer, and choose Install AltStore → [Your Device].
- Add c64ermu Source: On your iOS device, tap the button below to add our official source repository directly:
- Install & Run: In AltStore, go to the Browse tab, find Commodore 64 eRmulator, and tap FREE / INSTALL.
🚀 Method 2: Sideloadly (Instant Drag & Drop)
If you prefer not to install AltServer or want a fast, zero-configuration IPA install on Mac or Windows:
-
Obtain Authorized Beta IPA: Direct binary packages (c64ermu.ipa) for iOS and iPadOS are strictly restricted to enrolled members of our Closed Beta program:
Closed Beta Token Required
Enter your registered email address or token to unlock the authorized iOS IPA download:
📋 RELEASE NOTES & WHAT TO TEST- Persist expansion RAM state and enforce media cryptographic identity - Added macOS Open Recent document history, signed DMG packaging, and Sparkle 2 auto-updates - Added CA bundle auto-discovery, proxy support, and corporate certificate isolation - User interface and input controls improvements - Separate eu-app-store vs iOS StoreKit targets and add Stripe Connect revenue-split service - Fixed Universal application icon and set NSAlert/NSApplication icon on macOS - Localize Universal MVC menus, popups, status bar, About/Credits, and CLI help - SoftKernal and BASIC compatibility improvements - Disk drive and storage emulation improvements - Fixed cursor blink state, TIME keyword tokenization, and Soft SuperCPU boot tests - Fixed CRT preset cycling, ROM catalog scoping, and SuperCPU fallback - Epyx FastLoad cartridge hardware emulation, SoftKernal wedge, decoupled JiffyDOS/Epyx control - Apple platform and desktop integration improvements - Added startup Boot Menu with drive configuration, touch/mouse navigation, and persistent settings - Synthesize dedicated Commodore 1581 3.5" drive acoustics and optical bump suppression - Install Sideloadly: Download Sideloadly from sideloadly.io.
- Connect & Drag: Connect your device via USB cable, launch Sideloadly, and drag the c64ermu.ipa file onto the Sideloadly window.
- Sign with Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID email (used locally to sign the app) and click Start. Once complete, the C64 icon appears on your home screen!
🇪🇺 Method 2B: EU Direct Web Distribution (Apple-Notarized IPA, No AltStore Required)
Under European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA) Web Distribution rules, registered and authorized users in the 27 EU member states on iOS 17.5+ and iPadOS 18.0+ can install our Apple-notarized c64ermu-eu.ipa directly without AltStore PAL or AltStore Classic:
- Unlock Your Authorized Account: Enter your registered email address or personal authorization token in the Closed Beta Token Gate above.
- Download the Apple-Notarized EU Build: Tap the authenticated download button below to obtain c64ermu-eu.ipa:
🍎 Method 3: Enrolled Ad-Hoc Provisioning (UDID Testers)
Have you registered your Apple UDID at c64.team?
Once approved by Marco Ermini, your device's UDID is officially registered in our Apple Developer Portal. This creates an ad-hoc cryptographically signed build that:
- Does not expire every 7 days (valid for a full 365 days).
- Can be installed directly using Apple Configurator (Mac), Xcode Devices Window, or 3uTools/iMazing without requiring any re-signing.
Check your UDID enrollment status anytime on the c64.team Status Page.
🤖 Method 4: Android APK Sideloading
Android beta builds are distributed as standalone APKs:
- Download the authorized APK from your tester link or the Platform Downloads section.
- When prompted by Android, tap Settings → Allow from this source to enable sideloading for your browser or file manager.
- Tap Install. c64ermu runs with full hardware controller and touch overlay support!
🔧 Essential Troubleshooting & iOS Permissions
1. "Untrusted Developer" Alert on First Launch
iOS blocks apps signed with personal Apple IDs until you trust them once:
Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management. Tap your Apple ID under Developer App, then tap Trust "[Your Name/Email]".
2. "Developer Mode Required" (iOS 16, 17, 18)
Apple requires Developer Mode enabled on iOS 16 and newer:
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll to the bottom, tap Developer Mode, and toggle it ON. Restart your device, then tap Turn On when prompted.
3. Free Apple ID 3-App Limit
Free Apple developer accounts allow a maximum of 3 sideloaded apps at a time. If AltStore or Sideloadly returns an error about active app IDs, uninstall or deactivate an unused sideloaded app first.