AltStore PAL: An Alternative iOS App Store Launches

After a successful beta test, AltStore PAL, a third-party iOS app store, has officially launched in the European Union, marking a significant milestone in the region’s digital landscape. This achievement is attributed to Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates the allowance of apps from competing stores on iOS devices.

AltStore PAL offers European users an alternative to the traditional Apple App Store, enabling them to explore a diverse range of applications beyond Apple’s ecosystem. The marketplace, available for an annual subscription of €1.50 (plus tax), introduces innovative apps like Delta, a Nintendo emulator, and Clip, a clipboard manager, developed by Riley Testut and Shane Gill.

Installation of AltStore PAL involves navigating through Apple’s security measures, reflecting the company’s cautious approach towards third-party app distribution. However, with persistence, users can successfully install the store, which leverages Apple’s new Web Distribution system to ensure compatibility with iOS 17.4 and later versions.

Delta, capable of emulating various Nintendo gaming consoles, including NES, SNES, and Nintendo DS, presents users with an array of gaming possibilities. Clip, although challenged by Apple’s restrictions, offers a robust clipboard management solution. The integration with Patreon allows developers to monetize their apps, providing incentives for crowd-sourced funding and beta testing.

AltStore PAL’s emergence signifies a shift in the iOS app landscape, offering developers and users alike a platform for innovation and exploration outside the confines of Apple’s stringent App Store guidelines. Unlike Apple’s centralized model, AltStore PAL embraces a decentralized approach, empowering developers to self-host their applications and users to access software from various sources.

As the first alternative app store for iOS devices in Europe, AltStore PAL paves the way for a more diverse and dynamic app ecosystem, where creativity and choice flourish under the umbrella of regulatory compliance and technological innovation.