Apple’s stranglehold on the App Store ecosystem for iPhone apps is stifling competition, according to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), now forcing the tech giant to open up to new competitors. As a result, we’re starting to see what an app store ecosystem could look like when other developers are allowed to compete with the default iPhone App Store.
A notable example is AltStore, an alternative app store that is preparing to take advantage of the DMA to launch an updated version of its app marketplace in the EU, with the intention of supporting apps supported by Patreon.
To comply with the new European law, Apple is introducing APIs and frameworks that allow developers to distribute apps independently of the App Store. The AltStore was quick to capitalize on this opportunity and last week, AltStore developer Riley Testut shared screenshots of the next version of its app store that will be offered in the EU.
Instead of relying solely on ads, paid downloads, or in-app purchases to monetize, the AltStore will allow developers to use its custom Patreon integration to market their apps directly to consumers.
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The store – which offers side-loading apps like video game emulator Delta, also from Testut – will initially launch in the EU with just two apps, the developer said. Delta will be available for free, and AltStore’s own clipboard manager, Clip, will require a pledge of $1 or more on crowdfunding platform Patreon. The AltStore plans to add beta versions of Delta and Clip soon after, which will require a $3 per month Patreon commitment for their use.
This unique business model for monetizing apps is similar in some ways to Apple’s in-app subscriptions, but without the traditional 15-30% commission on sales that the tech giant currently takes. With Apple’s DMA rules, alternative app stores can choose to pay €0.50 for each annual first install above a threshold of one million – a new system aimed at tapping into revenue from more apps. significant, which Apple calls its core technology fees. (Whether Apple’s charges will stand is uncertain as the EU investigates the tech giant for failing to comply with its competition law.)
As Testut explains, once the AltStore is up and running, the plan is to allow other developers to also distribute their apps through the storefront by establishing their own sources.
“They will also be able to use the same Patreon integration that we use to distribute ‘paid’ apps,” Testut told TechCrunch. This integration will create a new business model for applications that would not be permitted without the DMA coming into force.
“One thing @altstore does that should really make you think about alternative payment systems that Apple would never have considered: it integrates Patreon and can tie app access to your Patreon pledge – giving you a completely different personal relationship with your users, and allows you to use the same reward system you use for videos, blog posts, merchandise, etc. “, wrote iOS developer Steve Troughton-Smith in a post on Mastodon. “Alternative app stores shouldn’t just recreate Apple’s model,” he added.
Additionally, he highlighted how AltStore will provide users with a “granular view” of what rights – or additional permissions – an app has, before installing it.
In addition to offering developers a new way to make money, Testus claims that the European version of AltStore will be “considerably simpler” to use compared to the current version.
Today, users who want to download apps through the AltStore without jailbreaking their iPhone must use a Mac or PC, provide the AltStore with their Apple ID and password, and then refresh the apps every seven days. This process not only raises security concerns, but it is also complex. But the European version of AltStore will not require these steps.
“Everything now works almost the same as the App Store,” says Testut.
In the screenshots he shared, the AltStore looks a lot like a modern app store, with categories like Games, Lifestyle, and Utilities, as well as buttons to download its free apps, like on the Apple App Store. However, the user interface will be slightly different as Apple requires developers to insert an additional confirmation screen after the user clicks to install an app. This screen alerts consumers that updates and purchases will be handled by the AltStore, not Apple.
Testut also notes that AltStore apps must be notarized by Apple to install, so he won’t be able to install just any downloaded app available as an .ipa file.
The new AltStore is ready to launch now, but Testut says it’s waiting for final approval from Apple.
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