App store alternative AltStore wants to come to more countries

The creators behind the AltStore, which allows iPhones within the EU to be provided with software as an alternative to the iOS App Store, want to reach other regions of the world as soon as possible. The team announced on Tuesday that it would pursue the vision of a global app store. Accordingly, it should be this year up to three new country variants give at least one more in the coming year – if not more.

Regulation of Apple in more and more countries

The approach is possible because Apple is not only confronted with regulations such as the Digital Markets Act in the European Union, which force alternative app distribution channels, but also in an increasing number of other regions of the world. The AltStore makers expect an opening in at least Brazil, Australia and Japan in 2025 – and are preparing for this. A British variant will follow in 2026. However, Epic Games, the operator of the Epic Games Store, recently announced a backtrack because there should be less strict regulation.

The team has not yet provided any information about when the new AltStores will open. The creators asked the developer community to to prepare for the imminent opening. The AltStore PAL, i.e. the EU version, can already be used by millions of customers. The creators further announced that they would build a “Federated App Store” from the AltStore based on the Fediverse protocol and thus improve sales. Customers should also be able to react directly to apps on BlueSky, Mastodon and Co. There is also one for that own Mastodon server.

Virtual machines and pornography

The AltStore PAL had pushed some boundaries around what goes on iPhones and what doesn’t. These included apps that can use virtual machines, as well as pornographic programs, which Apple has always blocked from the App Store.

In addition, the AltStore makers implemented a self-publishing process with which developers can publish their apps without intervention from the AltStore makers distribute for free can. Apple itself is not allowed to intervene in the content, but it does check for malware. Apple has not yet provided any information on when alternative app marketplaces will open in the markets mentioned by the AltStore team.