This made noise across the tech industry as the first alternative app store for iPhone is now available in the EU. AltStore PAL is an open-source alternative app store for independent iOS developers that is now available for iPhone users in the EU. It offers two apps, Delta (a Nintendo emulator) and Clip (a paid clipboard manager), with plans to add more third-party apps in the future. AltStore PAL requires a €1.50/year subscription to cover costs and integrates with Patreon for monetization. Outside of Europe, the existing free version of AltStore will continue to be available. iOS 17.5 will soon allow EU users to download apps directly from the web, but they will need to be notarized by Apple. Delta was made available broadly in the Apple App store at the same time.
I hadn’t generally covered the EU and it’s battle with Apple over the alternative app stores until something hit the marke, and now it has. Traditionally, Apple has maintained strict control over app distribution on its devices, requiring all apps to be downloaded through its official App Store. AltStore PAL’s emergence is a direct response to evolving regulatory pressures and changing consumer demands for more flexibility and openness in app sourcing.
And I’ll note that Delta has hit the top spot in apps this week, showing there is a demand for products outside of Apple’s guidance. I wouldn’t be surprised to later see this turn up in court as evidence.
For EU focused providers, you should be aware customers now have an alternative option for applications.