People in the European Union now have access to alternative app stores thanks to the Digital Marketing Act (DMA), a regulation designed to encourage increased competition in the app ecosystem. Like Apple’s App Store, alternative app markets allow easy access to a wider world of apps on Apple devices, but instead of apps going through Apple’s app review process, apps in these third-party markets must go through notary process to ensure that they meet certain “core platform integrity standards”, says Apple — like you’re malware-free. However, each store can review and approve apps according to its own policies. Stores are also responsible for any issues related to support and refunds, not Apple.
To operate an alternative app market, developers must accept Apple’s alternative business terms for EU DMA-compliant applications. This includes paying a new basic technology fee of €0.50 for each first annual install of their purchase app, even before reaching the 1 million install threshold, which is the threshold for other EU apps distributed under Apple’s DMA business terms.
Despite the complicated new rules, few developers have taken the opportunity to distribute their apps outside Apple’s walls.
Beyond the EU, other markets are also experimenting with alternative app stores, such as Japan. In December 2025, Apple announced its compliance with the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which gives developers new options for distributing apps and processing payments outside of Apple’s App Store.
This option also requires developers to accept new business termssuch as a reduced App Store commission of 10% to 21%, a 5% payment processing fee for Apple in-app purchases, a 5% core technology fee, and a 15% store service commission on web sales made through an in-app link.
Below is a list of alternative app stores that iPhone users can try in these markets today.
AltStore PAL (EU)
Co-created by developer Riley Testut, maker of the Nintendo game emulator app DeltaAltStore PAL is an officially approved alternative app market in the EU open source The app store will allow independent developers to distribute their apps alongside apps from AltStore developers Delta and a clipboard manager, called Clip.
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Unlike Apple’s App Store, AltStore apps are hosted by the developer themselves. To make it work, developers download an alternative distribution package (ADP) and upload it to their server, then create a “resource” that users will add to the AltStore to access their apps. This means that the only apps you’ll see in the AltStore are the ones you’ve added yourself.
Some popular applications that users add include the virtual machine application UTMthat lets you run Windows and other software on iOS or iPad. OldOSa re-creation of iOS 4 built into SwiftUI. Kotobathe iOS dictionary available as a standalone app. torrenting app iTorrent; The qBittorrent remote client for iOS devices is called qBitControl; and social discovery platform PeopleDrop.
Setapp Mobile (EU – closed Feb 2026)
MacPaw’s Setapp became one of the first companies to agree to Apple’s new DMA business terms to create an alternative app store for EU users. Unfortunately, that app store didn’t last long – the company announced that it will sunset the Setapp Mobile service on February 16, 2026. (Apps on Setapp Desktop were not affected.) The company cited Apple’s “evolving” and complex business conditions as the reason for its decision.
The company had long offered a subscription-based service that featured a selection of select apps for iOS and Mac customers. After the implementation of DMA, the alternative app store was launched for Setup Mobile for iOS users in the EU only. Similar to its other subscription offerings, the now-defunct app store had included dozens of apps in one recurring subscription price, and the number of apps grew over time. The apps were free of in-app purchases or ads and are generally considered high quality. However, it did not include big name apps like Facebook, Uber, Netflix and others.
Epic Games Store (EU)
Fortnite maker Epic Games launched its alternative iOS app store in the EU in August 2024, allowing users to download games including its own Fortnite and others like Rocket League Sideswipe and Fall Guys, with more to come. The company said it is also bringing its games to other alternative app stores, including AltStore PAL, which it now supports through a grant, as well as Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and the ONE Store on Android.
The move to release Fortnite on alternative iOS markets comes more than four years after Apple removed the game from the App Store due to policy violations, in the face of Epic’s legal challenge to its alleged App Store monopoly. While US courts ruled that Apple did not engage in antitrust behavior, the lawsuit paved the way for developers to link to their own websites for a reduced commission.
Aptoide (EU)
An alternative iPhone game store, Lisbon-based Aptoide is an open source solution for app distribution. The company, already known for its Google Play alternative, says it scans apps to ensure they are safe to download and install.
The iOS version of the Aptoide store was launched as an invite-only beta in June 2024 before being made available to everyone across the EU. As a free-to-use store, Aptoide does not charge its users to cover its Core Technology Fee paid to Apple, but takes a 10% to 20% commission for in-app purchases on iOS, depending on whether they are market-generated or not.
Across all platforms, including Android, web, car and TV, Aptoide offers 1 million apps to its more than 430 million users.
Mobivention marketplace (EU)
A B2B-focused app store, the Mobivention The market allows EU companies to distribute their internal apps that are used by employees but cannot—or should not—be published on Apple’s App Store. The company also offers custom app market development for companies that want to offer their employees their own app store just for their company apps. Larger companies can even license Mobivention’s technology to further customize the app market to their own needs.
Skich (EU)
Last March, Skits announced the launch of an alternative app store for EU users that differentiates itself by offering a Tinder-like interface for app discovery. That is, users swipe right to “match” apps they might enjoy. They can also create playlists and see what apps their friends are playing. The new store will replace Skich’s existing app and will see the company take a 15% commission on all purchases. Instead of filling its app store with apps right away, the store was pitched to developers at the Game Developers Conference (GDC).
Domestically (EU and Japan)
On the side is an alternative iOS app store available in both the EU and now Japan as of February 17, 2026, thanks to new regulations. The company promises to charge developers lower fees while still offering security, including keeping payment information private. The store currently supports bank card and Apple Pay payments and will later develop support for other payment methods such as iDeal, Klarna and more.
For consumers, Onside advertises a number of top apps and exclusives not found in other marketplaces within a familiar interface that includes traditional app store features such as editorial collections, ratings and reviews, and automatic updates.
