In a milestone development, the European Union witnessed the launch of its first third-party iOS app store, AltStore PAL. This breakthrough came about as a direct result of Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which compelled major tech companies to open up their software ecosystems. AltStore PAL, described as an “Apple-approved alternative app marketplace,” was created by Riley Testut, an iOS developer.
AltStore PAL serves as a platform for indie software developers seeking an avenue to distribute their iOS apps freely. Although the marketplace currently hosts only two apps—a clipboard manager and Delta, a Nintendo emulator—its impact is far-reaching. It provides an opportunity for smaller, indie apps that may have encountered obstacles within Apple’s App Store due to its stringent regulations. Testut highlights the importance of AltStore for these apps, stating, “This is about all the indie developers who’ve ever received a phone call telling them their app is rejected, but not telling them how to fix it.”
Despite its merits, AltStore PAL faces challenges due to Apple’s controversial decision to impose a “Core Technology Fee” (CTF) on alternative iOS app stores in the EU. This fee requires stores to pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold. As a result, AltStore must charge users a €1.50 annual fee to cover the CTF and payment processing. While this approach is not ideal, it ensures sustainable operation and enables developers to confidently distribute their apps through the platform.
AltStore PAL’s launch represents a turning point in the iOS landscape within the EU, but it won’t be the last. Epic Games, following its legal disputes with Apple over app distribution in the US, also plans to introduce its own iOS app store in Europe. These alternative stores have the potential to pressure Apple to pay more attention to the interests of indie developers and create a healthier and more diverse app marketplace.
The opening up of the iOS software ecosystem brings newfound opportunities for developers, ensuring a more inclusive and competitive market. As the EU witnesses the emergence of alternative app stores, it marks the beginning of a new era for iOS users and developers alike.
The launch of AltStore PAL, the first third-party iOS app store in the European Union, signifies a major milestone in the region. The development of this alternative app marketplace is a direct result of Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote competition and fair practices within the tech industry. AltStore PAL, created by iOS developer Riley Testut, serves as a platform for indie software developers to freely distribute their iOS apps.
One of the key advantages of AltStore PAL is that it provides an avenue for smaller, indie apps to reach a wider audience. Apple’s App Store is known for its stringent regulations, which can sometimes pose challenges for indie developers. AltStore PAL offers these developers an opportunity to showcase their apps without facing the same level of scrutiny. As Testut puts it, AltStore PAL is a platform for “all the indie developers who’ve ever received a phone call telling them their app is rejected, but not telling them how to fix it.”
However, AltStore PAL does face challenges in the form of Apple’s controversial decision to impose a “Core Technology Fee” (CTF) on alternative iOS app stores in the EU. This fee requires stores to pay €0.50 for each first annual install per year over a 1 million threshold. To cover this fee and payment processing, AltStore must charge users a €1.50 annual fee. While this approach is not ideal, it ensures the sustainable operation of AltStore and enables developers to confidently distribute their apps through the platform.
AltStore PAL is not the only alternative app store on the horizon in the EU. Epic Games, known for its legal disputes with Apple over app distribution in the US, is also planning to introduce its own iOS app store in Europe. These alternative app stores have the potential to put pressure on Apple and bring about changes that cater to the interests of indie developers. This could lead to a healthier and more diverse app marketplace within the iOS ecosystem.
The opening up of the iOS software ecosystem in the EU brings newfound opportunities for developers. With the emergence of alternative app stores like AltStore PAL, the iOS landscape is becoming more inclusive and competitive. This marks the beginning of a new era for iOS users and developers in the European Union.
For more information about the Digital Markets Act and its impact on the tech industry, visit the European Commission’s website: Digital Markets Act.
To learn more about AltStore PAL and its features, visit the official website: AltStore PAL.
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