Feather is an on-device iOS and iPadOS application manager that signs and installs apps using Apple Developer Program certificates.
The tool addresses the need for sideloading applications on iOS devices without relying on external services. It works by leveraging developer certificates to sign and install IPA files directly on the device. The application provides a clean interface for managing the signing process, with support for AltStore repositories and detailed certificate information display. Advanced users can configure signing options to modify app appearance, enable Files app support, patch apps for compatibility, and inject tweaks using Ellekit alongside .deb and .dylib files.
Feather suits developers and power users who want to sideload applications using legitimate Apple Developer Program credentials. It is particularly valuable for those seeking a transparent, privacy-respecting alternative to closed-source sideloading tools, as it includes no tracking or analytics. The project explicitly positions itself as filling a gap where open-source solutions for certificate-based sideloading were previously unavailable.
The project maintains active development focused on ensuring broad app compatibility. The codebase includes internationalization infrastructure with support for multiple languages through Xcode's localization interface, and contributors are guided through a dedicated contributing guide. The tool is distributed as a free, open-source application available through direct download and AltStore integration.