Riley Testut, a talented app developer known for the iOS emulator Delta and the AltStore, shares his inspiring journey from Dallas to the world of app creation. He discusses the challenges of navigating Apple's strict app approval processes and the community-driven spirit behind AltStore’s creation. Riley also delves into the emotional ups and downs of solo development, emphasizing the need for collaboration and support among indie developers. His experiences highlight the importance of passion, innovation, and the quest for independence in tech.
Riley Testut's passion for app development began in childhood, fueled by owning an iPhone and studying computer science at USC.
The creation of AltStore marked a significant pivot for Riley after Apple's restrictions on emulators inspired him to find alternative solutions.
Riley faced ongoing challenges with Apple's policies, highlighting the broader struggle for developer rights and the need for an open ecosystem.
Community support through platforms like Patreon has been vital for Riley’s projects, allowing for independence from corporate influences and fostering creativity.
Deep dives
Riley Testa's Journey and Background
Riley Testa grew up in Dallas and Auckland, where his passion for technology began with an obsession for app development sparked by owning an iPhone. He studied computer science at the University of Southern California, where he honed his skills and began creating apps in his spare time. His early projects included a basic camera app which garnered attention and laid the foundation for his future endeavors. A key moment in his journey was discovering an open-source Game Boy Advance emulator, which led him to adapt it into a non-jailbroken version, ultimately laying the groundwork for his successful emulator, Delta.
The Development of Delta and Alt Store
Delta began as a personal project for Riley, driven by his desire to learn Swift and improve his programming skills. Following his efforts at WWDC to get approval for Delta on the App Store, Apple unexpectedly barred the release of emulators, prompting him to pivot towards creating a new platform, Alt Store. Alt Store serves as a method for sideloading emulators and other apps on iOS, allowing developers to bypass App Store restrictions. The server-side aspect was particularly challenging for Riley, requiring extensive knowledge of Apple's signing and security processes to enable app distribution.
The Impact of GBA for iOS
The launch of GBA for iOS marked a significant turning point in Riley's career, gaining substantial popularity despite initial struggles with Apple's strict policies. After releasing GBA for iOS, Riley encountered numerous challenges, particularly when Apple revoked the necessary enterprise certificates. However, creative workarounds such as the 'date trick' allowed continued accessibility for users. GBA for iOS became a cultural phenomenon and underscored the appetite for emulators on iOS, inspiring Riley to keep pursuing similar projects.
Navigating Apple’s Policies and Market Changes
Riley’s journey highlights the complexities and frustrations that developers face when dealing with Apple’s policies, particularly in relation to third-party apps and alternative app stores. The fluctuating landscape, marked by Apple’s constant changes and overreaching control, put Riley's projects at risk while showcasing the broader struggle for developer rights and a more open ecosystem. Notably, the growing political pressure on Apple, especially in Europe, and the push for regulatory changes added another layer to the narrative of Alt Store's development. Riley's approach to navigating this difficult environment has included a willingness to challenge decisions and engage with both Apple and regulators on behalf of developers.
The Role of Community and Funding
Community support has been critical in Riley's journey, particularly through Patreon, where dedicated contributors helped fund the continued development of Alt Store and Delta. This grassroots support allowed Riley to maintain independence from venture capital or corporate interests, fostering an environment of creativity and agility in development. The community’s involvement not only provided financial backing but also validated the importance of accessible emulators and alternative app distributions. By catering to their supporters, Riley and his team established a solid foundation for their ongoing projects in an otherwise challenging market.
The Launch of Alt Store Pal and Controversy
The launch of Alt Store Pal, featuring the app 'Hot Tub,' sparked significant controversy, particularly from Apple, which reacted strongly to its inclusion. Riley's strategic decision to frame the release by stating Apple had ‘approved’ the app ignited a discussion on the company’s involvement in third-party app approvals, revealing their vested interest in the market. While the public outcry ensued, it effectively highlighted the nuanced debate around app distribution and freedom for developers and users alike. The resulting media frenzy not only increased the visibility of Alt Store but also sparked discussions about the nature of app regulation on platforms like Apple's.
Future Outlook and Industry Challenges
Looking ahead, Riley remains committed to advocating for alternative app distribution methods and ensuring that the community has access to a wider variety of applications. The evolving regulatory landscape and international pressures on big tech companies could create opportunities for expanding Alt Store and Delta. However, the ongoing struggle with Apple’s policies and the challenges of navigating a competitive marketplace remain daunting. Ultimately, Riley's resolve to keep developing and innovating as a passionate, independent developer provides hope for a more open future in the app ecosystem.
Riley Testut joins the show to talk about his history in iOS emulators and the wild story behind the creation of AltStore, one of the first alternative app stores for iOS.
