Installous

Name: Installous
Author: Sugggest

Installous was an app that allowed users to install pirated iOS apps. It was controversial for facilitating piracy and was eventually shut down.

Gaming Software Piracy

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Installous: Pirated iOS App Installer

Software alternatives website listing all software, with detailed information on Installous, an app that allowed users to install pirated iOS apps, facing controversy and eventual shutdown.

What is Installous?

Installous was a controversial third-party app repository and installer that was released in 2008 for jailbroken iOS devices. It enabled users to search for and install pirated iOS apps, games, and tweaks that were not available on the official App Store.

While Installous provided an easy way for users to access paid App Store content for free, it raised significant piracy concerns. At its peak, it was estimated that millions of iOS device owners were using Installous. However, the app violated copyright laws and App Store policies.

Installous was involved in multiple legal disputes over allegations of facilitating iOS piracy. It was forced to shut down in late 2012 after losing one of these legal battles. App developers had complained that Installous resulted in millions of dollars in lost sales and revenue.

Since Installous shut down, there have been successor apps aiming to fill the void. However, Apple has aimed to crack down swiftly on these third-party app installers to discourage piracy. Jailbreaking also continues to provide iOS users with unofficial ways to get apps outside the App Store, sometimes through piracy.