Apple’s “walled garden” is no longer impenetrable. Driven by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), third-party app stores are now a reality for iPhone users. While Apple still requires a “notarization” process to scan for malware, these new platforms set their own content policies, support structures, and refund rules.
The Cost of Independence
Breaking away from Apple’s ecosystem comes with technical and financial hurdles. Developers must navigate a complex landscape of fees, including a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per annual install. In Japan, Apple’s compliance includes commissions ranging from 10% to 21%, alongside payment processing and store service fees.
Leading Alternative Marketplaces
AltStore PAL (EU)
Founded by Riley Testut, AltStore PAL is an open-source hub for independent creators. It is the official home of the Delta Nintendo emulator and the clipboard manager Clip. Unlike traditional stores, it uses a self-hosted model where users add “sources” to find apps like the UTM virtual machine or the iTorrent client.
Epic Games Store (EU)
After a high-profile legal battle, Epic Games has returned to iOS. EU users can now download Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe directly. Epic is also expanding its reach by supporting other stores like Aptoide and AltStore PAL via grants.
Aptoide and Onside
- Aptoide: A veteran in the Android world, Aptoide’s iOS version focuses on games, charging a 10% to 20% commission on in-app purchases.
- Onside: Operating in both the EU and Japan, Onside offers exclusive apps and a familiar interface with editorial collections and automatic updates.
Specialized Marketplaces
- Mobivention: This B2B-centric store allows companies to distribute internal corporate apps to employees without using the public App Store.
- Skich: Differentiating itself through discovery, Skich uses a “Tinder-like” swipe interface to help users find new games and follow friends’ activity.
A Warning Sign: The Exit of Setapp Mobile
The transition hasn’t been easy for everyone. Setapp Mobile, which offered a curated subscription of high-quality apps, announced it would sunset its iOS service in February 2026. The company pointed to Apple’s “still-evolving” and overly complex business terms as the primary reason for its closure, highlighting the friction that remains in this new competitive landscape.
