Altstore PAL made its debut in Europe, marking the emergence of the first third-party iPhone app store in the region. This alternative marketplace, as designated by Apple, provides European users with access to apps that are not available on the official App Store. However, there is a catch – customers will be required to pay an annual fee due to Apple’s Core Technology Fee (CTF).
Developer Riley Testut unveiled Altstore PAL through a detailed blog post, highlighting the key offerings of this open-source app marketplace. Currently, Altstore PAL features two applications: Delta, a Nintendo emulator, and Clip, a clipboard manager. While Delta is available for free download, Clip necessitates a minimum donation of EUR 1 (approximately Rs. 90) or more. Altstore PAL liberates developers from Apple’s content restrictions, enabling the distribution of apps that are typically prohibited on the iOS platform. Moreover, developers can use Patreon to distribute apps while specifying a minimum pledge amount for access, without facing any commission charges from Altstore PAL.
To access Altstore PAL, European users must update their iPhones to iOS 17.4 and subscribe to an annual fee of EUR 1.50 (around Rs. 135), which covers Apple’s CTF expenses as outlined by Testut. However, individuals outside the EU or those unwilling to pay the subscription fee can resort to sideloading apps via a computer using the original Altstore app and refreshing them weekly. Notably, developers are exempt from hosting fees on Altstore PAL and do not incur any commissions on Patreon donations. Once an app is notarized by Apple, developers are required to upload the “alternative distribution packet” (ADP) onto their servers for distribution.
The launch of Altstore PAL signifies a shift in the iOS app marketplace landscape by introducing a viable alternative to the official App Store. By offering developers a platform with greater flexibility and autonomy, Altstore PAL opens up new avenues for app distribution and monetization. The absence of content restrictions and commission fees on donations sets a precedent for a more developer-friendly ecosystem. As users and developers embrace Altstore PAL, the platform’s impact on the broader app economy remains to be seen, but its potential to catalyze innovation and diversity in the iOS ecosystem is undeniable.
Leave a Reply