Automating App Updates for Sideloaded Apps on iPhone

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The Challenge of Keeping Sideloaded Apps Updated

One of the most common frustrations with sideloaded apps on iPhone is that they do not update automatically like App Store apps do. When a developer releases a new version of their app, App Store users get a notification and can update with a single tap. Sideloaded app users have to manually find the new IPA, import it into their sideloading tool, and re-install it. For casual users with one or two sideloaded apps, this is manageable. But for power users with a large collection, it can quickly become tedious.

The good news is that with the right setup, you can get very close to automatic updates for your sideloaded apps. This guide covers several approaches, from built-in Scarlet iOS features to custom automation workflows.

Scarlet iOS Built-In Update Checking

Scarlet iOS includes a built-in mechanism for tracking app versions. When you install an app through Scarlet that comes from a supported repository or source, Scarlet can check for newer versions and notify you when one is available.

How to Enable Update Notifications in Scarlet

  1. Open Scarlet iOS and navigate to Settings.
  2. Tap App Management.
  3. Enable Check for Updates Automatically.
  4. Set the check frequency — daily checks are recommended for most users.
  5. Enable Push Notifications so Scarlet can alert you when updates are found.

When Scarlet detects a newer version of an installed app, it will send a notification. Tapping the notification takes you directly to the update screen where you can install the new version with a single tap. This is as close to the App Store update experience as you can get with sideloaded apps.

Using Scarlet Repositories for Automatic Updates

Apps installed from Scarlet-compatible repositories have the best support for automatic updates because the repository itself tracks version information. When the repository owner publishes a new version, Scarlet’s update checker immediately detects it.

To get the most out of this system, install as many of your apps as possible from official Scarlet repositories rather than manually imported IPAs. Manually imported IPAs (those you add from a file rather than a repo URL) have no version tracking by default, so Scarlet cannot check for updates on them.

For a deep dive into how Scarlet iOS manages repositories and app sources, see our complete overview of what Scarlet iOS is and how it works in 2026.

Automating Updates with Apple Shortcuts

For a more customized automation approach, Apple’s Shortcuts app can be configured to trigger sideloading workflows on a schedule. While Shortcuts cannot directly control Scarlet iOS (since Scarlet is a third-party app without a native Shortcuts integration), there are creative workarounds.

Approach 1: Scheduled URL Scheme Triggers

Some sideloading tools expose URL schemes that can be called from Shortcuts. If an app you want to keep updated has a direct install URL (common with open-source apps that publish release artifacts), you can create a Shortcut that:

  1. Fetches the latest release information from a GitHub API or similar endpoint
  2. Compares the version number to the currently installed version
  3. If a new version is available, opens the install URL in Scarlet iOS automatically

This approach requires some Shortcuts knowledge but is very effective for apps hosted on GitHub, where the Releases API is well-documented and reliable.

Approach 2: OTA Manifest Polling

If you manage your own IPA hosting (for example, for an app you built yourself), you can publish an OTA manifest file that Scarlet iOS can poll periodically. The manifest specifies the current version and download URL. When Scarlet checks the manifest and finds a newer version number than what is installed, it offers a one-tap update.

Third-Party Update Managers

Several third-party tools have been developed specifically to address the sideloaded app update problem.

SideStore

SideStore includes an automatic refresh system that runs in the background using a local VPN. While primarily a signing tool, its update management features can complement Scarlet iOS for specific apps.

AltDaemon / Background Refresh Workarounds

AltStore’s daemon approach — where a background process on your computer handles certificate renewal and update checking — inspired several similar tools. While these require a computer to be running on the same network, they enable fully automated refresh without user interaction.

Managing Version-Specific IPAs

Before enabling automatic updates, consider your relationship with specific app versions. Sometimes you want to stay on an older version of an app because a recent update broke a feature you rely on. In that case, you should:

  • Disable automatic updates for that specific app in Scarlet’s settings
  • Keep a backup copy of the IPA file you want to preserve
  • Document which version you are using and why, so you remember when troubleshooting

For information on managing multiple versions of the same app, including how to use bundle ID overrides to run multiple versions simultaneously, see our guide on how to use Scarlet iOS Developer Mode.

Certificate Renewal and App Longevity

A related challenge is that even if you have the latest IPA, the certificate it is signed with can expire. Scarlet iOS handles certificate renewal automatically for apps in its managed pool, but if you used your own certificate, you need to re-sign apps before their certificate expires (7 days for free accounts, 365 days for paid developer accounts).

Build certificate renewal into your update schedule. For free accounts, combine a weekly update check with a weekly re-signing run. For paid accounts, set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before your annual certificate expiry to re-sign all your apps.

Best Practices Summary

  • Enable automatic update checking in Scarlet iOS settings
  • Install apps from repositories whenever possible for better version tracking
  • Use Apple Shortcuts for custom update automation on open-source apps
  • Disable automatic updates for any apps where you prefer a specific version
  • Keep backup copies of IPA files for apps with no reliable update source
  • Schedule certificate renewals proactively, especially for free-account signings

Conclusion

Keeping sideloaded apps updated does not have to be a manual chore. With Scarlet iOS’s built-in update checking, combined with smart use of repositories and automation tools, you can achieve an update experience that rivals the App Store for most of your sideloaded app library.

Start managing your sideloaded apps like a pro. Download Scarlet iOS now and discover the full power of managed app installation on iPhone.

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