The European Union has welcomed its first alternative app marketplace, AltStore PAL, developed by Riley Testut. This new platform features apps from independent developers and aims to provide a space for apps that may not fit into the strict rules of the traditional App Store.
Initial apps on AltStore PAL include the Delta game emulator and clipboard manager app Clip. Developers are also able to submit their own apps for distribution once the platform is up and running smoothly. However, unlike the centralized App Store, AltStore PAL is decentralized with no directory, meaning developers must self-promote their apps.
While distributing apps through AltStore is free, apps with over one million installs will be required to pay Apple a 0.50 euro fee. Additionally, access to AltStore PAL comes at a cost of 1.50 euros per year to cover the Core Technology Fee.
AltStore PAL was developed in response to Apple’s plans to support alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4. The platform is open to all apps, but is geared towards smaller indie apps. It also includes Patreon integration, allowing developers to monetize their apps.
iPhone users in the EU can download AltStore PAL from the AltStore website. Unfortunately, the platform is not available outside of the EU at this time. With the introduction of AltStore PAL, developers and users now have a new option for discovering and distributing innovative apps within the EU market.
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