Because the IPA is not signed by Apple, the OS will refuse to run it. To bypass this, users must employ tools like . These tools use a legitimate Apple Developer certificate (either free or paid) to "trick" the iPhone into thinking the app was installed by the user for testing purposes.
Remember: If a free IPA promises unlimited premium features, it’s almost certainly too good to be true — and potentially dangerous for both your device and your privacy.
Jailbroken devices
The most controversial use case involves cracked or modded IPAs. Some developers release a "Tidal++" IPA (often posted on forums like r/sideloaded or iOSGods). These modifications claim to unlock premium features such as:
The iOS jailbreaking and modding community is vibrant. Users often seek modified IPAs (often labeled "Tidal++" in community forums) that offer features the official app lacks. This might include built-in ad blockers (irrelevant for paid subs, but useful for free tiers), skipping restrictions, background playback on unsupported devices, or integration with system-level equalizers that the stock app blocks.