The AltStore – A New Alternative App Store Comes to Europe
With the introduction of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple faces increased competition in the app store ecosystem. This has led to the emergence of alternative app stores such as the AltStore, which aims to offer Patreon-backed apps in the European Union.
The AltStore, an upcoming alternative app store, is set to launch in the EU, taking advantage of the DMA. It plans to support Patreon-backed apps, allowing developers to market their apps directly to consumers using a custom Patreon integration. Unlike traditional methods of monetization, such as ads, paid downloads, or in-app purchases, the AltStore offers a unique business model that doesn’t involve the standard 15% to 30% commission taken by Apple.
Initially, the AltStore will launch with just two apps – Delta, a video game emulator developed by Riley Testut, and Clip, the app store’s own clipboard manager. Users will need to pledge at least $1 per month on Patreon to access Clip. Beta versions of both Delta and Clip will require a $3 monthly Patreon pledge.
In addition to these features, the AltStore allows developers to establish their own sources and distribute their apps through the storefront. They can also utilize the same Patreon integration used by the AltStore to distribute ‘paid’ apps.
According to iOS developer Steve Troughton-Smith, “the AltStore…has Patreon integration, [which] can tie access to apps to your Patreon pledge—which gives you an entirely different, personal relationship with your users.”
Testut emphasizes that once the EU version of the AltStore is launched and functioning correctly, other developers will be allowed to distribute their apps through the storefront using the same Patreon integration.
The AltStore presents a new business model for apps that wouldn’t exist without the implementation of the DMA. By providing developers with a new method of making money and simplifying the installation process for users, the AltStore demonstrates the potential of alternative app stores in the era of increased competition within the app store ecosystem.
