Move over, Apple: Meet the alternative app stores available in the EU and elsewhere

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has opened the door for alternative app stores in the European Union, marking a significant shift in the app distribution landscape. This regulation aims to enhance competition within the app ecosystem, allowing developers to reach users beyond the confines of Apple’s App Store. Unlike traditional app marketplaces, these new platforms enable developers to circumvent Apple’s app review process by adhering to a notarization procedure. This ensures that apps meet essential standards for platform integrity, such as being free from malware. Each alternative store can establish its own app approval criteria and is responsible for customer support and refund processes. To launch an alternative app store, developers must comply with Apple’s specific business terms under the DMA. This includes a new Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for the first annual installation of their marketplace app, applicable even before reaching the one million install threshold required for other EU apps. Despite the complexities of these regulations, some developers have begun to leverage this opportunity to distribute their applications outside of Apple's ecosystem. Notably, Japan is also exploring similar alternatives, expanding the global landscape for app distribution. In December 2025, Apple confirmed its adherence to the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which provides developers with the ability to distribute apps and process payments independently of the App Store. This new framework also introduces revised business terms, including a commission reduction ranging from 10% to 21% on App Store sales, as well as various fees associated with in-app purchases and web sales. One notable entrant in this space is the AltStore PAL, co-founded by Riley Testut, the creator of the Nintendo emulator app, Delta. This open-source platform allows independent developers to distribute their apps alongside those created by AltStore’s team. Users can manually add apps to the AltStore, which enables a customized app experience. Additionally, MacPaw’s Setapp was among the first to adapt to Apple’s DMA terms by launching an alternative app store for EU users, though it was short-lived, ceasing operations in February 2026 due to the evolving business landscape. Epic Games has also jumped into the fray with its alternative iOS app store, which debuted in the EU in August 2024. This store allows users to download popular games, including Fortnite, which had previously been removed from Apple’s App Store. Epic is actively supporting other alternative app stores, such as Aptoide and AltStore PAL, through various partnerships. Aptoide, known as a free and open-source solution for app distribution, has also launched its iOS version, offering a vast library of over one million apps. This platform takes a commission on in-app purchases but does not charge users a fee for accessing its services. Moreover, Mobivention has created an app store aimed at businesses, facilitating the distribution of internal apps for employees. This marketplace allows companies to customize their app offerings according to their specific needs. Lastly, Skich has introduced a unique app discovery platform that mimics a dating app interface, allowing users to swipe through potential apps. The Onside store has also emerged, promising lower rates for developers while ensuring user security and a familiar app store experience. As these alternative marketplaces emerge, they signify a transformative moment for app developers and users alike, reshaping how apps are distributed and accessed worldwide.