Audiobookshelf is an open-source audiobook server that’s a pretty great alternative to apps like Audible. Unfortunately, its iOS app isn’t officially available on the App Store yet (it’s usually distributed through TestFlight). Worse, their TestFlight is often full, making it hard for new users to install.

Luckily, since Audiobookshelf is open-source, you can build and install it locally yourself (if you have a working ios dev env setup with Xcode). Here’s how:

Clone and Prepare the Repo

First, clone the repository and set up the necessary dependencies:

git clone <https://github.com/advplyr/audiobookshelf-app.git>
cd audiobookshelf-app
npm install

Next, generate the static web app assets and synchronize with the native iOS project:

npm run generate
npx cap sync

Finally, open the iOS project directly in Xcode:

npx cap open ios

Building and Installing with Xcode

Since this isn’t an official App Store app, you’ll need to sideload it directly onto your iPhone through Xcode. Here’s a quick guide:

Connect Your iPhone:

• Plug your iPhone into your Mac using a USB cable.

• In Xcode, select your connected device as the build target (not a simulator).

Archive and Export IPA:

• In Xcode, navigate to Product > Archive.

• After archiving, the Organizer window will pop up. Select your build and click Distribute App.

• Choose the Ad Hoc or Debugging method, as regular development builds are no longer sufficient.

• Follow the prompts to export your .ipa file.

Install the IPA:

• Open Xcode’s devices window (Window > Devices and Simulators).

• Drag your exported .ipa file directly into the “Installed Apps” section.

• Xcode will verify and install the app automatically.

Once complete, you’ll have Audiobookshelf up and running on your device without needing to wait for an opening in the TestFlight beta!

If the above is too involved for you, SideStore is another option that the Audiobookshelf team has suggested.