Title: Exploring New App Marketplaces in the EU: A World Outside Apple’s Walls
AltStore PAL: Unlocking Independent App Distribution
AltStore PAL, an officially approved alternative app marketplace in the EU, offers a unique approach to app distribution. Unlike Apple’s App Store, AltStore apps are self-hosted by developers. This means that developers must create a “source” that users can add to the AltStore to access their apps. As a result, users will only see the apps they have added themselves. Popular apps available on AltStore PAL include UTM, a virtual machine app, OldOS, a re-creation of iOS 4, and Kotoba, a stand-alone iOS dictionary.
Setapp Mobile: Curated Apps Under a Single Subscription
MacPaw’s Setapp, known for its subscription-based service on Mac, has embraced the new DMA regulations by launching Setapp Mobile, an alternative app store exclusively for iOS users in the EU. Setapp Mobile offers dozens of curated apps under a single recurring subscription price. In-app purchases and ads are eliminated, ensuring a high-quality experience. Although big-name apps like Facebook and Netflix are absent, Setapp Mobile caters to power users and AI experts, offering free access to these users. Other subscribers can opt for the “iOS Advanced” plan, which includes both the main Setapp subscription and Setapp Mobile.
Epic Games Store: Fortnite’s Entry into Alternative Marketplaces
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, made headlines by launching its own alternative iOS app store in the EU. This move comes after Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store due to policy violations. While U.S. courts ruled in favor of Apple, the legal battle opened doors for developers to link to their own websites for reduced commissions. Epic Games Store now allows users to download popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys. The company is also extending support to other alternative app stores, including AltStore PAL, Aptoide’s iOS store, and ONE Store on Android.
Aptoide: Open Source Solution for Safe App Distribution
Lisbon-based Aptoide, known for its Google Play alternative, has entered the iOS market as an alternative game store. Aptoide ensures the safety and compliance of apps through thorough scanning. While access to the iOS version of Aptoide is currently invite-only, the store offers a free-to-use model for users, without charging a Core Technology Fee. However, Aptoide does take a commission of 10% to 20% on in-app purchases, depending on their origin.
Mobivention Marketplace: B2B-Focused App Distribution
The Mobivention marketplace caters specifically to EU companies that need to distribute internal apps used by employees. As these apps may not be suitable for Apple’s App Store, Mobivention offers a solution for companies to create their own customized app marketplace. Larger companies can even license Mobivention’s technology to tailor the app marketplace to their specific needs, providing a secure and controlled environment for corporate apps.
Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in the EU App Ecosystem
Thanks to the Digital Markets Act, the EU now allows access to alternative app marketplaces, promoting competition and diversity in the app ecosystem. Developers and users alike are taking advantage of this opportunity to explore new avenues beyond Apple’s App Store. Whether it’s AltStore PAL’s independent app distribution, Setapp Mobile’s curated subscription model, Epic Games Store’s entry into the market, Aptoide’s open-source solution, or Mobivention Marketplace’s B2B-focused approach, there is a wide range of options available for EU users to discover innovative and unique apps. With these alternative app stores, the EU app landscape is evolving, empowering developers and providing users with more choices and opportunities.