Vanced for iOS
YouTube Vanced used to be the best-modified and widely used unofficial version of YouTube specifically designed for Android. It offered ad-free and background playback options along with built-in downloading of video and many other customization options. However, this was not the case with the iPhone or iPad using the exact features of the modified YouTube. Though extremely popular, this application never made it into the list of officially compatible apps for iOS platforms.
But, even if Apple has always held great standards in security and voluntary policies on app distribution, there would always be little hacks. So, unlike Androids, iOS does not enable you to install ‘cracked or third-party apps.’ Alternatives to YouTube Vanced come with workarounds like installing via third-party tweaks, using side-loading apps using external tools for Apple devices, or even jailbreaking to bypass the limitations set by Apple.
YouTube Premium indeed offers similar benefits to YouTube Vanced, yet many users search for these offline free alternatives and want to enjoy such benefits because of ad-free viewing, background playback, and better controls from their end without any monthly subscription payment.
Here is a comprehensive article that will guide you on different YouTube Vanced alternatives for iOS, how to mi, device, and iOS version compatibility, plus risks involved in its usage and legal aspects of modified YouTube apps.
Is YouTube Vanced Available for iOS?
The simple answer is no: YouTube Vanced was built with Android devices in mind. Any form of the operating system that would run on iOS, in other words, would never be developed for an iOS YouTube Vanced. The app policies that govern Google and YouTube are so strict that it is almost impossible to mod and distribute alternative versions of the YouTube app on iOS.
That said, modified YouTube apps with similar features to those on YouTube Vanced provide ad-free viewing, background playback, download, etc. These apps do not show up in the App Store, but they can be sideloaded or installed if your iPhone is jailbroken.
Best YouTube Vanced Alternatives for iOS
Since YouTube Vanced is unavailable for iOS, the following alternatives provide similar functionality:
a) uYouPlus
Perhaps one of the most recognized and feature-rich YouTube mods, uYouPlus for iOS is a tweaked build of the uYou tweak that enables greater control and functionality over the YouTube application.
Features:
- Ad Blocked: Ad-free scene where all ads appear in any video and display ads for smooth enjoyment.
- Background Play: Playing video and audio in minimized applications even when the device is locked.
- Downloading Videos: Directly saving the device’s videos for offline viewing.
- PiP: Enable Picture in Picture mode, watch the video in a smaller-sized, resizeable window while using other apps.
- Sponsor Block Integration: Automatically skips in-between sponsored segments in YouTube videos.
Installation Methods:
- AltStore: An external app store that could allow the sideloading of uYouPlus. You will need AltServer on your PC or Mac.
- TrollStore: The provision of a method that gives a more permanent installation and does not require app re-signing every seven days.
- Sideloadly: A utility that enables users to sideload applications via a computer and an Apple ID.
b) Cercube for YouTube
Cercube is another popular alternative that modifies the YouTube app to provide extra features not available in the standard version.
Features:
- Ad-Free Experience: This disables all forms of ad interruptions on YouTube.
- Background Playback: Video and audio content is playing when minimized.
- Downloading Videos: Users can download a video in different formats and resolutions.
- Improved Playback Options: Extra video speed and quality options for a better user experience are provided.
Installation Methods:
- The use of Cydia or Sileo (Requires Jailbreaking): Users can install Cercube via package managers when using devices that have jailbroken status.
- No Jailbreak: Can be sideloaded with AltStore or Sideloadly and an Apple ID via a computer.
c) YouTube Reborn (Jailbreak Only)
YouTube Reborn is a jailbreak tweak that transforms the official YouTube app into a premium app with no restrictions.
Features of the Application:
- Blocks all advertisements
- Enables Picture-in-Picture
- Allows Background Playback
- Adds Video Downloading
Installation Method:
- Requires jailbreak and installation through Cydia or Sileo
How to Install YouTube Alternatives Without Jailbreak
You need to open the site and let the software allow you to download and install it. Not like jailbreaking, sideloading does not require any security risks or stability issues. Most of the users prefer their devices without jailbreaks. There are apps like uYouPlus and Cercube, which can only be sideloaded without jailbreaking.
Here are the steps of sideloading with AltStore
- Download and install AltServer on your PC or Mac.
- Connect your iPhone and install AltStore.
- Get the IPA file for uYouPlus or Cercube.
- Turn on AltStore and log in with your Apple ID to sideload your app.
- Rejuvenate it every seven days for the app to continue functioning.
Sideloading with Sideloadly
- Download and install Sideloadly on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone and open Sideloadly.
- Drag and drop the IPA file into Sideloadly.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and install the application.
Using TrollStore (Permanent Installation)
- With TrollStore, apps can be installed without any expiration and re-signing.
- It works on certain iOS versions only (mostly on iOS 14-15).
- Offers a stable experience compared to AltStore or Sideloadly.
Is It Legal to Use These YouTube Alternatives?
Since modded apps, including uYouPlus and Cercube, have not made an official entry on the YouTube apps list, usage of these apps is against YouTube policies. Blocked ads and discretionary user modification to YouTube functionalities violate YouTube’s TOS.
Potential Risks:
- Suspension or termination of your YouTube account on the grounds of violating its policies.
- A security risk while sideloading external apps with unofficial sources.
- Apple may disable the certificate for an arbitrary app, resulting in its stoppage.
Given these risks, if you do not want to take any, the official alternative is subscribing to an official YouTube Premium account that provides ad-free videos, background playback, and offline downloads.
YouTube Premium vs. Modded YouTube Apps
YouTube Premium falls on the option side even though it offers a legal solution. Comparing it against the modded counterparts will clarify this point better.
| Feature | YouTube Premium | uYouPlus | Cercube | YouTube Reborn |
| Ad-Free Viewing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Background Playback | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Picture-in-Picture (PiP) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Video Downloads | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Risk of Account Ban | ❌ No | ⚠️ Possible | ⚠️ Possible | ⚠️ Possible |
| Requires Jailbreak? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No (AltStore) | ✅ Yes |
While YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month, it provides a legal and hassle-free way to enjoy YouTube without ads.
Compatibility: Which iOS Devices and Versions Support YouTube Vanced Alternatives?
Since YouTube Vanced was unavailable for the iOS operating system, its alternatives have different compatibility requirements depending on the installation method. The following is an assessment of which devices and which iOS versions this modified YouTube can run.
a) uYouPlus Compatibility
- iOS Version: iOS 13 or later
- Device Compatibility: Any iPhone and all iPads that run the compatible iOS version
- Installation Method: AltStore, Sideloadly, or TrollStore (for permanent installation on certain iOS versions)
- Jailbreak Required? ❌ No
b) Cerculbe Compatibility for YouTube
- iOS Version: It works with iOS 12 and higher
- Device Compatibility: It works with most iPhones and iPads.
- Installation Method: Altstore (without jailbreaking) or Cydia (requires jailbreaking).
- Jailbreak Required? ❌ No (but sideloading) | ✅ Yes (for direct Cydia installation)
c) YouTube Reborn requirement (Jailbreak only):
- iOS Version: Works on iOS 14- iOS 16 depending on the available jailbreaks
- Device Compatibility: Available for jailbroken devices only
- Installation Method: Through Cydia or Sileo
- Jailbreak Required? ✅ Yes
d) TrollStore Compatibility (Permanent Install of uYouPlus)
- iOS Version: It works on iOS 14-15.4.1 and iOS 15.5 beta 4.
- Device Compatibility: iPhones and iPads with the supported versions.
- Installation Method: TrollStore is to be set up.
- Jailbreak Required? ❌ No.
Key Takeaways on Compatibility
- YouPlus and Cercube are the best options if you are not looking to jailbreak.
- YouTube Reborn provides deeper modifications on jailbroken devices.
- TrollStore ensures permanent installation for uYouPlus thus avoiding the problem with re-signing after 7 days.
- Older iOS versions might not support some newer tweaks because of changes in API.
Check if your device infringes the sideloading or jailbreaking method required for installation before installing any alternative to YouTube Vanced.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Using YouTube Vanced Alternatives on iOS?
With no YouTube Vanced for iOS, those desiring an ad-free YouTube experience with more features must consider sideloading altered apps for YouTube (uYouPlus, Cercube) or jailbreaking their phone for YouTube Reborn.
A fair amount of risks, limitations, and installation hassles accompany each of these options. Sideloading, without TrollStore being used, will require periodic reinstallations, while jailbreaking will allow deeper modification of the system but will void warranties and expose devices to security threats.
Pros and Cons of Using YouTube Vanced Alternatives
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| uYouPlus (Sideloading) | Free, no jailbreak needed, supports ad-blocking & background playback | Needs re-signing every 7 days (unless using TrollStore) |
| Cercube (Sideloading or Jailbreak) | More customization, ad-free experience, background playback | Requires sideloading or jailbreaking for full features |
| YouTube Reborn (Jailbreak Only) | Deepest level of customization, best for power users | Requires jailbreaking, higher security risks |
| YouTube Premium (Official) | 100% legal, ad-free, background playback, downloads | Paid subscription ($13.99/month), lacks some custom features |
Which Option is Best for You?
- For an easy-going, legal experience, YouTube Premium is the best and finest option. It has advantages such as background playback or download without security issues and removal of all ads. You can enjoy all these amazing features with YouTube Premium.
- Sideloading should not be a problem for any user who is familiar with uYouPlus, as this is by far the best alternative to YouTube Vanced without jailbreaking the device.
- YouTube Reborn is indeed the most powerful option for users who love deep customization and do not mind jailbreaking, yet the risks are high.
In case you want to sideload a modified Youtube app, make sure to download from a trusted source, remember of possible account bans, and check the status of certificates regularly.
At the end of the day, the best option is judged by personal priorities – convenience, functionality, or security.