In a significant development for app distribution within the European Union, AltStore PAL has launched as the first third-party app store, marking a new era post-iOS 17.4 updates and recent legislative changes. This alternative platform is designed specifically to cater to independent developers, providing them an avenue to distribute their apps freely.
AltStore PAL is an open-source, crowd-funded project that charges a minimal annual fee of 1.50 euros plus applicable VAT. It supports developers through Patreon integration, allowing them to directly earn from their supporters without a manual review process that often hampers publication in traditional app stores.
At its inception, AltStore PAL features apps like Delta, an all-in-one emulator for classic Nintendo games including NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64, and Clip, a sophisticated clipboard manager that operates continuously in the background.
The store emerges as a solution for indie apps that face barriers in more conventional ecosystems due to stringent app store policies. AltStore PAL positions itself as a platform where any app, especially those struggling to comply with the strict rules of major app stores, can find a home.
This move comes as Apple adjusts its policies to align with the EU’s Digital Market Act, aiming to foster greater competition and innovation within the app market. While the AltStore PAL is currently exclusive to the EU, its inception might prompt similar changes globally.
