EU’s Digital Markets Act Opens the Door to Alternative iPhone App Stores

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is reshaping Apple’s app ecosystem by allowing iPhone users to download apps from alternative marketplaces. The regulation is designed to increase competition and reduce reliance on Apple’s traditional App Store model.

Under the new rules, third-party app stores can operate on iOS devices in the EU. Instead of going through Apple’s full App Review process, apps distributed via these marketplaces must pass a notarization review to ensure they meet baseline security requirements, such as being free of malware. Each alternative store can apply its own content and approval policies and is responsible for handling customer support and refunds.

Developers who want to operate an alternative app marketplace must accept Apple’s DMA-specific business terms. These include a €0.50 Core Technology Fee for each first annual install of their marketplace app, even before reaching 1 million installs — a threshold that applies differently to other DMA-compliant apps.

Outside the EU, similar regulatory changes are emerging. In Japan, the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) introduces new distribution options and alternative payment processing systems. Developers there must also agree to revised business terms, including reduced commissions ranging from 10% to 21%, a 5% payment processing fee for Apple’s in-app purchases, a 5% core technology fee, and a 15% store services commission on certain web-based sales.

Below are some of the alternative app stores currently available:

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AltStore PAL (EU)

AltStore PAL, co-created by Riley Testut, allows developers to self-host their apps. Users manually add “sources” to access apps, meaning the store’s catalog depends on what users choose to include. Popular apps include the Delta emulator and other independent tools not found on Apple’s App Store.

Setapp Mobile (EU – Closed Feb. 2026)

Launched by MacPaw, Setapp Mobile offered a curated, subscription-based collection of apps without ads or in-app purchases. However, the service shut down in February 2026 due to what the company described as complex and evolving Apple business terms.

Epic Games Store (EU)

Epic Games launched its own iOS marketplace in the EU in August 2024, bringing Fortnite back to iPhone users after years of absence. The move followed Epic’s legal battle with Apple over App Store policies and commissions.

Aptoide (EU)

Lisbon-based Aptoide expanded its open-source app marketplace to iOS in the EU after a beta phase. The platform generates revenue by taking a 10% to 20% commission on in-app purchases.

Mobivention Marketplace (EU)

Mobivention focuses on business customers, allowing companies to distribute internal apps that are not suitable for Apple’s public App Store. It also provides customizable enterprise app marketplaces.

Skich (EU)

Skich differentiates itself with a swipe-based interface for discovering games and takes a 15% commission on purchases.

Onside (EU and Japan)

Onside operates in both the EU and Japan, offering lower developer fees and multiple payment options, including bank cards and Apple Pay.

As regulatory pressure increases, Apple’s previously closed ecosystem is gradually opening in select markets. While the long-term success of alternative app stores remains uncertain, users in the EU and Japan now have more choice in how they download and pay for apps on their iPhones.