After the Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to allow third-party app stores for iOS in Europe, several developers launched alternative stores, like AltStore and MacPaw’s Setapp (currently in closed beta). The latest addition is long-time Android app store newcomer Aptoide, which is launching a games store in Europe.
The company announced today that users will be able to download its game store and use it on iOS on June 6.
Aptoide is initially launching the store with six titles, and plans to add more later. The company mentioned that more than 100 developers are close to launching their games on the App Store, but with Apple’s notarization process, the official launch takes time.
Launch titles include Word Jungle, a word puzzle; Condor — Leap of Faith, a jump-based platform game; All-in-one Solitaire, a collection of different Solitaire games; All-in-one Mahjong, a collection of different Mahjong games; Charades — Guess the word, another word game.
Currently, Word Jungle is the only game offering in-app purchases. Apptoide has a unique model because it charges developers differently for in-app purchases. If a user discovered the app through search or recommendations on the App Store, the company charges a 20% fee, but if the developer acquires users through paid advertising or through its community channels, Apptoide charges a 20% fee. 10% fee for in-app purchases. . Developers are allowed to point to their websites for these transactions, for a 10% fee paid to Apptoide.
The startup said it followed Apple’s tedious process to apply as an alternative app store. The tech giant wasn’t always responsive.
TechCrunch briefly tested the App Store. The installation process is quite simple. Once you receive the invitation or access code, you can access the link to download the App Store. You will need to go to settings and allow downloading an app store from this unknown source (Aptoide).
The company plans to add 500 to 1,000 users to the waitlist every day after launch. The startup does this to ensure it stays under the limit of one million annual first installs and avoid paying the €0.50 base technology fee for each first install.
Aptoide has been operating in the App Store space with an Android client since 2009. Last year, the Android App Store reached almost half a billion downloads.
Experience running an app store on Android may be helpful to Aptoide to some extent, but iOS is a different ball game with Apple’s own rules and restrictions. Additionally, with other stores competing for users’ attention in the EU, the company will need to attract unique games to its store.
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