Citizens within the EU can now utilize alternative application marketplaces, owing to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), legislation aimed at promoting greater rivalry within the app environment. Similar to Apple’s App Store, these alternative app platforms offer straightforward entry to an expansive collection of applications for Apple devices; however, rather than applications undergoing Apple’s proprietary App Review procedure, software on these external marketplaces must undergo a notarization protocol to confirm adherence to certain “fundamental platform integrity benchmarks,” as stated by Apple — such as being devoid of malicious software. Nevertheless, individual stores possess the authority to examine and sanction applications based on their unique guidelines. Furthermore, these storefronts bear the obligation for all issues concerning customer assistance and reimbursements, not Apple.
To operate an alternative application marketplace, developers are required to consent to Apple’s modified commercial conditions for DMA-conforming applications within the EU. This entails remitting a novel Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for every initial yearly installation of their marketplace application, even prior to achieving the 1 million installations benchmark, which typically serves as the prerequisite for other EU applications disseminated under Apple’s DMA commercial agreements.
Notwithstanding the intricate new regulations, a select group of developers has seized the chance to disseminate their applications beyond Apple’s confines.
Outside the European Union, additional markets are also exploring alternative application storefronts, such as Japan. In December 2025, Apple declared its adherence to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which affords developers fresh avenues for distributing applications and handling transactions independently of Apple’s App Store.
This choice similarly obligates developers to consent to revised commercial stipulations, including a diminished 10% to 21% App Store service charge, a 5% transaction processing fee for Apple in-app acquisitions, a 5% fundamental technology charge, and a 15% marketplace services fee on online transactions conducted via an in-app link.
Presented hereafter is a compilation of alternative application storefronts accessible to iPhone users in these regions presently.
AltStore PAL (EU)
Conceived jointly by developer Riley Testut, creator of the Nintendo game emulation application Delta, AltStore PAL stands as an officially sanctioned alternative application hub within the EU. This open-source application platform will enable autonomous developers to disseminate their software alongside offerings from AltStore’s creators, Delta, and a clipboard management utility named Clip.
Techcrunch event
Boston, MA
|
June 9, 2026
In contrast to Apple’s App Store, applications within AltStore are self-maintained by their respective developers. For functionality, developers acquire an alternative distribution package (ADP), transmit it to their server, and subsequently establish a “source” which users will incorporate into AltStore to gain entry to their applications. Consequently, the sole applications visible within AltStore will be those you have personally incorporated.
Among the well-liked applications users are incorporating are the virtual machine program UTM, which facilitates running Windows and other software on iOS or iPad; OldOS, a rendition of iOS 4 constructed with SwiftUI; Kotoba, the iOS dictionary offered as a solitary application; the torrenting utility iTorrent; qBittorrent’s remote client for iOS gadgets, dubbed qBitControl; and the social exploration platform, PeopleDrop.
Setapp Mobile (EU – closed Feb. 2026)
Setapp, by MacPaw, emerged as one of the initial corporations to consent to Apple’s updated DMA commercial provisions for establishing an alternative application marketplace catering to EU consumers. Regrettably, this app store had a brief existence — the corporation declared its intention to discontinue the Setapp Mobile service by February 16, 2026. (Software on Setapp Desktop remained unaffected.) The firm attributed its choice to Apple’s “continuously developing” and convoluted commercial stipulations.
For an extended period, the company had provided a subscription-model service showcasing a curated assortment of applications for patrons using iOS and Mac devices. Subsequent to the DMA’s enforcement, it launched an alternative application storefront, Setapp Mobile, exclusively for iOS users within the EU. Akin to its other subscription packages, this now-closed app store had comprised scores of applications available for a solitary, recurring subscription cost, with the quantity of applications expanding progressively. The applications were devoid of in-app transactions or advertisements and were broadly regarded as superior in caliber. Nevertheless, it did not feature prominent applications such as Facebook, Uber, Netflix, among others.
Epic Games Store (EU)
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, inaugurated its alternative iOS application marketplace in the EU in August 2024, thereby enabling patrons to acquire games, encompassing its proprietary Fortnite and other titles such as Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, with additional offerings anticipated. The firm declared its intention to introduce its games to other alternative app platforms, including AltStore PAL, which it is currently funding through a grant, in addition to Aptoide’s iOS marketplace in the EU and ONE Store on Android.
The initiative to introduce Fortnite into alternate iOS marketplaces occurs over four years subsequent to Apple’s removal of the game from its App Store due to breaches of guidelines, preceding Epic’s judicial contestation against the purported App Store cartel. Although American tribunals determined that Apple had not partaken in monopolistic conduct, the litigation nonetheless facilitated a pathway for developers to direct users to their proprietary websites for a diminished fee.
Aptoide (EU)
Aptoide, a gaming alternative for iPhone originating from Lisbon, provides an open-source method for application dissemination. The enterprise, already recognized for its substitute to Google Play, asserts it scrutinizes applications to guarantee their safety for acquisition and installation.
The iOS iteration of the Aptoide marketplace debuted as an exclusive, invitation-only beta in June 2024, prior to its widespread release throughout the EU. Operating as a complimentary-to-use platform, Aptoide does not levy fees on its patrons to offset its Core Technology Fee remitted to Apple; however, it extracts a 10% to 20% service charge on in-app acquisitions within iOS, contingent upon their origination from the marketplace
Do not change the content language or not.
Aptoide provides access to 1 million applications for its over 430 million subscribers, spanning various platforms such as Android, web, car, and TV.
Mobivention marketplace (EU)
The Mobivention marketplace functions as an enterprise-centric app storefront, enabling EU businesses to disseminate their proprietary applications utilized by their workforce, which are unable – or ought not – to be listed in Apple’s App Store. The firm additionally provides the creation of a bespoke application hub for companies aiming to furnish staff with a dedicated app store exclusively for their business applications. Furthermore, bigger corporations may acquire licenses for Mobivention’s platform to extensively tailor the app marketplace to align with their specific requirements.
Skich (EU)
In the preceding March, Skich unveiled the debut of an alternative application repository for EU users, which distinguishes itself through the provision of a Tinder-esque user interface for uncovering applications. Specifically, patrons can swipe right to “connect” with applications they might appreciate. Furthermore, individuals possess the ability to compile application lists and observe which applications their companions are engaging with. This novel marketplace is set to supersede Skich’s current application and the corporation will levy a 15% fee on every transaction. Rather than immediately populating its application store with offerings, the platform was promoted to creators during the Game Developers Conference (GDC).
Onside (EU and Japan)
Onside represents an alternative iOS application marketplace accessible within both the European Union and, presently, Japan, effective February 17, 2026, owing to the recently introduced mandates. The firm pledges to impose reduced fees on creators while simultaneously providing robust security, encompassing the safeguarding of payment data. Presently, the marketplace facilitates transactions via bank cards and Apple Pay and intends to progressively introduce compatibility for additional payment modalities such as iDeal, Klarna, among others.
Regarding end-users, Onside promotes a selection of leading applications and unique offerings unavailable on competing digital storefronts, all within a customary interface encompassing standard application store functionalities, such as curated compilations, user feedback, and automated software refreshes.
{content}
Source: {feed_title}