Are you an anime enthusiast struggling to find reliable anime streaming solutions on your iPhone? Unlike Android users who enjoy apps like Aniyomi and Tachiyomi, iOS users face more limitations due to Apple’s strict ecosystem. The good news is that sideloading opens up a world of possibilities for anime and manga fans on iPhone.
The iOS Anime Challenge: Finding the Perfect Free Anime App for iPhone
Apple’s App Store restrictions have created a void for dedicated anime and manga apps that are not constantly embroiled in copyright disputes. Popular Android options like Aniyomi aren’t compatible with iOS, leaving fans searching for alternatives that work within Apple’s ecosystem. While some apps appear briefly on TestFlight or the App Store, they often disappear just as quickly, creating frustration for anime lovers.
I’m looking for an app that can be downloaded on iPhone that gets the job done, has both sub and dub animes and most importantly, free
Common request on Reddit
Many iPhone users report challenges like:
- Apps with intrusive ads disrupting the viewing experience
- Unreliable streaming that frequently buffers or crashes
- Limited content libraries missing favorite series
- Apps suddenly becoming unavailable or region-restricted
- Lack of both subbed and dubbed options in a single app
Fortunately, sideloading provides access to premium anime apps that solve these issues. Let’s explore the top options available today.
Top Free Anime Apps for iPhone Through Sideloading
Ryu: The Ultimate Anime Streaming Solution
Ryu has emerged as the community favorite for iOS anime streaming. This powerful app delivers an exceptional anime viewing experience with features that rival even premium services.
Key Features:
- Extensive anime library with both subbed and dubbed content
- High-quality streaming with minimal buffering
- Multiple anime providers (over 10 sources)
- Weekly premieres of new episodes
- Episode downloading for offline viewing
- Clean, intuitive interface optimized for iPhone
Ryu is the best.
User’s comment on Reddit
Aidoku: The Perfect Manga Companion
While Ryu excels at anime streaming, Aidoku stands out as the premier manga reading application for iOS. This free and open-source app provides everything manga enthusiasts need.
Key Features:
- 100% ad-free experience
- Robust WASM source system for reliable manga loading
- Online reading through multiple external sources
- iCloud sync support to continue reading across devices
- Comprehensive download manager for offline reading
- Tracker support to keep up with your reading progress
Together, Ryu and Aidoku form the perfect combination for anime and manga fans on iPhone, offering a complete solution that rivals the Android experience.
Why Other Options Fall Short
Many iOS users have experimented with alternatives before discovering Ryu and Aidoku:
Stremio: While it works for movies and series, users report it lacks essential anime features like aniskip, chapter control, gesture controls, and proper tracking.
Anime Life: Previously available but now regionally restricted or unavailable on the App Store.
Mochi: A popular option before services like 9anime were shut down, but it is now difficult to access.
Mangayomi: Though feature-rich with regular updates, it faces compatibility issues with certain signing tools like Sidestore.
Web-based solutions: Often frustrating due to ads, poor mobile optimization, and the inability to download for offline viewing.
FAQ: Answering Your iOS Anime Questions
Q: Why isn’t Aniyomi available for iOS?
A: Aniyomi is built for Android and relies on open-source frameworks not compatible with iOS due to Apple’s different ecosystem requirements and restrictions.
Q: How can I get anime apps like Ryu and Aidoku on my iPhone?
A: The most reliable way is through trusted sideloading services like BuildStore, which handles the technical aspects for you. Alternatively, some users try TestFlight beta programs, but these are often limited and unstable.
Q: Are sideloaded anime apps safe for my iPhone?
A: When obtained through reputable services like BuildStore, sideloaded apps undergo verification to ensure they’re safe. Always avoid random downloads from unverified sources.
Q: Will these apps have all the latest anime episodes?
A: Yes, both Ryu and Aidoku regularly update their content libraries. Ryu features weekly premieres of new episodes, allowing you to stay current with seasonal anime.
Q: Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to use these apps?
A: No, sideloading through BuildStore doesn’t require jailbreaking, making it a safe and accessible option for all iPhone users.
Ready to Break Free? BuildStore is Your Gateway to Premium Anime Apps
While TestFlight and direct IPA installations exist, they come with frustrating drawbacks including certificate revocations, complex technical setups, and unpredictable performance. Since 2016, BuildStore has been the premier solution for iOS users, offering seamless sideloading based on official Apple developer certificates.
Here’s why anime enthusiasts choose BuildStore’s premium service for apps like Ryu and Aidoku: