Aptoide, the longstanding Android app store upstart, is set to launch a game store in Europe. This move comes after the Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to allow third-party app stores for iOS in Europe. Aptoide will be joining the likes of AltStore and MacPaw’s Setapp in providing an alternative app store experience for iOS users.
The game store is scheduled to be available for download and use on iOS starting June 6. Initially, the store will feature six titles, with plans to add more games in the future. Aptoide has mentioned that over 100 developers are eager to launch their games on the app store, but due to Apple’s notarization process, the formal launch will take some time.
Among the launch titles are Word Jungle, a word puzzle game; Condor – Leap of Faith, a jump-based platformer game; All-in-one Solitaire, which offers a collection of different Solitaire games; All-in-one Mahjong, which features various Mahjong games; and Charades – Guess the word, another word puzzle game.
One interesting aspect of Aptoide’s business model is its approach to in-app purchases. The company charges developers differently based on how users discover the app. If a user finds the app through search or recommendations on the app store, Aptoide charges a 20% fee for in-app purchases. However, if developers acquire users through paid advertisements or their community channels, Aptoide lowers the fee to 10%. Additionally, developers are allowed to direct users to their websites for these transactions, with a 10% fee going to Aptoide.
Aptoide went through Apple’s application process as an alternative app store, which it described as a tedious experience. The tech giant was not always responsive during the process. TechCrunch briefly tested the app store and found that the installation process is relatively simple. Once users receive an invitation or access code, they can access the link to download the app store. However, they will need to go to their settings and allow the download from an unknown source, in this case, Aptoide.
After the launch, Aptoide plans to onboard 500 to 1,000 users from the waitlist every day. This strategy aims to ensure that the company remains under the limit of 1 million annual first installs per year, avoiding the core technology fee of €0.50 for each first install.
While Aptoide has been operating in the app store space with an Android client since 2009 and has reached nearly half a billion downloads on Android devices, the experience of running an app store on Android does not directly translate to success on iOS. Apple has its own rules and restrictions, making it a different ball game altogether. Additionally, with other alternative app stores vying for user attention in the European market, Aptoide will need to attract unique and compelling games to its store to stand out from the competition.