The Alternative iOS App Stores After New EU Regulations
The new commercial regulations of the European Union are influencing Apple’s actions. As a result, Apple has quickly announced various updates, including the opening of its operating system to third-party app stores, often referred to as alternative iOS app stores.
Apple has its own mobile application store, which, alongside Google Play, forms one of the two major global platforms where users can download apps.
Opening up its operating system to alternative iOS app stores will make it easier for developers to distribute iOS apps on platforms other than the App Store.
These new updates came into effect in March 2024, so in this post, we’ll tell you what you need to know about some of the new alternative iOS app stores that are landing in the European Union.
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New Alternative iOS App Stores Arrive on iPhone
Before diving into some of the alternative iOS app stores where you can download iOS apps besides the App Store, it’s important to note that this new situation is only applicable within the European Union, where these new regulations have come into force.
Therefore, if you leave the European Union, you may no longer have access to these stores to download new iOS apps, although the ones you’ve already downloaded will remain on your device.
Currently, since this measure has only recently been implemented, there isn’t a large variety of alternative iOS app stores. In this post, we’ll highlight which ones are already available and which are expected to launch soon.
Alternative iOS App Stores
AltStore PAL
AltStore PAL has become one of the first alternative iOS app stores following the application of the new European Union regulations. This store originated in 2019, though it wasn’t popular due to its complex use and configuration. However, today it has the potential to become a strong download store.
To download and start using AltStore PAL, you need to pay a subscription of €1.50 per year. AltStore PAL uses this fee to cover the charge that Apple imposes on developers for using this kind of store.
This platform hosts all kinds of apps, but according to the company behind it, small and independent developers stand to benefit the most from AltStore PAL.
Aptoide
Along with AltStore PAL, Aptoide is one of the first independent alternative iOS app stores outside of the App Store. It is well-known as a major alternative for downloading Android apps and now promises to be a competitor to the App Store for iOS app downloads.
Aptoide operates as a decentralized network where developers create their own app repositories. It will offer the same experience as its Android-focused platform, providing a user-friendly interface. Each app will include descriptions, reviews, images, videos, etc.
Aptoide is a free platform that is currently available to a limited number of users. If you want to download it, you’ll need to join a waiting list.
Other Alternative iOS App Stores
While AltStore PAL and Aptoide are currently the only platforms where you can download iOS apps outside of the App Store, it is expected that more application stores will launch in the coming months.
For example, Epic Games Store will soon offer an iOS app store not only for its video games but also for third-party apps.
Another example is Mobivention App Marketplace, whose iOS app store is expected to launch soon and be available to users.
As you can see, the new European Union laws are already being implemented. Although there are currently very few available, their number is expected to grow, making them strong competitors to the App Store.
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