Sideloading glossary
Plain-language definitions of IPA, UDID, P12, provisioning profile, App ID, entitlement, PPQ and related terms.
Ad hoc distribution
Apple distribution to a limited set of device UDIDs registered with a developer team. It uses a distribution certificate and an ad hoc provisioning profile.
App ID
An identifier registered with an Apple development team. It may be explicit for one bundle identifier or, in some contexts, use a wildcard pattern.
Bundle identifier
The app's reverse-domain-style identity, such as com.example.app. iOS uses it when distinguishing apps and assigning containers.
Certificate
A signed digital credential connecting a public key to an Apple developer team and permitted signing role. The private key is required to create signatures.
Developer Mode
An iOS security control that allows locally installed development-signed software and exposes development functionality after explicit user confirmation.
Entitlement
A signed declaration that allows an app to request a capability such as App Groups, associated domains, push notifications or network extensions. The provisioning profile must authorise relevant entitlements.
IPA
An archive containing a packaged iOS or iPadOS application and its resources. An IPA still requires a valid, compatible signature and profile before installation.
JIT
Just-in-time compilation: generating executable code while an app runs. iOS restricts it heavily; availability depends on signing, entitlements, OS version and activation method.
P12 / PFX
A password-protected container commonly used to transport a signing certificate together with its private key.
PPQ
Provisioning Profile Query, an Apple verification service used by applicable development and ad hoc signing paths. Apple documents first-launch checking for newer developer teams and the ppq.apple.com endpoint in its profile guidance.
Provisioning profile
An Apple-signed file connecting a team, certificate, App ID, entitlements, validity period and, where required, registered devices.
Revocation
Invalidation of a certificate before its normal expiry. Software relying on it may stop installing, verifying or launching.
Sideloading
The broad informal term for installing apps outside the App Store. It includes several technically different distribution and development-signing systems.
UDID
A persistent device identifier used when registering an iPhone or iPad for development or ad hoc provisioning. The UDID finder reads it from Safari on the device.