Alternative app store AltStore PAL adds third-party iOS apps in wake of EU Apple ruling

AltStore, an alternative app store, has launched its first batch of third-party iOS apps in the European Union. The rollout comes a few months after the company launched an updated version of its app marketplace in the EU. AltStore PAL arrived as a response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is forcing Apple to open up to new rivals.

The initial batch includes torrenting app iTorrent, which allows users to download P2P (peer-to-peer) files, along with a qBittorrent remote client for iOS devices called qBitControl. The list also includes social discovery platform PeopleDrop, which is designed to help people connect with others nearby. 

There’s also UTM SE, an emulator app that allows you to run classic software and old-school games. Unlike the other apps in this first batch, UTM SE is also available on the official iOS App Store, whereas the other three were created specifically for the alternative.

AltStore says it has independently vetted these initial apps to ensure that they meet its safety standards. Users can access them by adding them from the “Sources” screen. After that, they will appear in the “Browse” tab. 

As a result of the DMA, Apple is being forced to introduce APIs that allow developers to distribute apps outside of the App Store, which means we’re now starting to see an app store ecosystem where developers can compete with the default iOS app marketplace.