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

The European Union's Digital Markets Act allows access to alternative app stores, fostering competition against Apple's App Store. Developers must comply with new business terms, including fees for distribution. New marketplaces, like AltStore PAL and Aptoide, are emerging, while others, like Setapp Mobile, have already closed due to complex regulations.

Key Points

• 1. EU's Digital Markets Act permits alternative app stores to compete with Apple's App Store.
• 2. Developers must accept specific business terms and fees to distribute apps via these stores.
• 3. Notable new stores include AltStore PAL (open-source) and Aptoide, while Setapp Mobile closed due to regulatory complexity.
• 4. Epic Games Store launched in August 2024 after being removed from Apple's App Store over policy violations.
• 5. Each alternative store has different policies for app review and commission fees.

Relevance

• The rise of alternative app stores aligns with global trends of increasing regulatory scrutiny on tech giants.
• The Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) in Japan reflects similar moves to break monopolistic control in app distribution.
• 2025 IT trends indicate a shift toward decentralization in digital ecosystems, with a focus on fairer developer compensation.

The emergence of alternative app stores in the EU represents a significant shift in the app distribution landscape, offering developers more options while challenging Apple's dominance, which could set a precedent for other regions and industries.