People in the European Union are now allowed access to other app stores thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation designed to foster increased competition in the app ecosystem. Like Apple’s App Store, other existing app marketplaces allow easy access to a wide world of apps on Apple devices, but instead of apps going through Apple’s app review process, apps in these third-party marketplaces must go through a review process to ensure they meet “basic standards of platform integrity,” Apple said — such as being free of malware. However, each store may review and approve applications according to its own policies. Stores are also responsible for any issues related to support and refunds, not Apple.
To use the alternative application marketplace, developers must accept Apple’s other business terms for DMA-compliant applications in the EU. This includes paying a new Core Technology Fee of €0.50 for each first installation of their market year plan, even before the 1 million installation limit is reached, which is the bar for other EU applications distributed under Apple’s DMA business terms.
Despite the complex new rules, a number of developers have taken advantage of the opportunity to distribute their apps outside Apple’s walls.
Beyond the EU, other markets are experimenting with other app stores, too, such as Japan. In December 2025, Apple announced its compliance with the Software Competition Act (MSCA), which gives developers new options to distribute applications and process payments outside of Apple’s App Store.
This option also requires developers to accept new business terms, such as a reduced App Store commission of 10% to 21%, Apple’s 5% in-app purchase payment processing fee, a 5% technical master fee, and a 15% store services commission on web sales made through an app link.
Below is a list of other apps that keep iPhone users in these markets that they can try today.
AltStore PAL (EU)
Co-created by developer Riley Testut, maker of the Nintendo Delta game emulation app, AltStore PAL is an EU-licensed app marketplace. The open source app store will allow independent developers to distribute their apps alongside apps from developers AltStore, Delta, and a clipboard manager, called Clip.
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Unlike Apple’s App Store, AltStore apps are managed independently by the developer. To work, developers download an alternative distribution package (ADP) and upload it to their server, creating a “source” that users will add to the AltStore to access their apps. That means the only apps you’ll see in the AltStore are the ones you’ve added yourself.
Other popular apps that users are adding include UTM for Virtual Machine, which lets you run Windows and other software on iOS or iPad; OldOS, a re-creation of iOS 4 built on SwiftUI; Kotoba, an iOS dictionary available as a standalone app; iTorrent app; a remote qBittorrent client for iOS devices called qBitControl; and social discovery platform PeopleDrop.
Setapp Mobile (EU – closed Feb. 2026)
MacPaw’s Setapp was one of the first companies to agree to Apple’s new DMA business terms to set up an alternative app store for EU users. Unfortunately, this app store didn’t last long – the company announced that it will sunset the Setapp Mobile service on February 16, 2026. (The apps on Setapp Desktop were not affected.) The company cited Apple’s “evolving” and complex business goals as the reason for its decision.
The company has long offered a subscription-based service with select apps for customers on iOS and Mac. After the launch of DMA, it released another Setapp Mobile app store for iOS users only in the EU. Similar to its other subscription offerings, the now closed app store featured dozens of apps under one recurring subscription price, and the number of apps grew over time. The apps had no in-app purchases or ads and were generally considered high quality. However, it did not include apps with big names like Facebook, Uber, Netflix, and others.
Epic Games Store (EU)
Fortnite maker Epic Games launched another 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 app stores, including AltStore PAL, which it now supports with a grant, as well as Aptoide’s iOS store in the EU and the ONE store on Android.
The move to introduce Fortnite to other iOS markets comes more than four years after Apple removed the game from its App Store due to policy violations, ahead of Epic’s legal challenge over alleged App Store monopoly. While the US courts ruled that Apple did not engage in antitrust behavior, the case opened the way for developers to link to their websites for a reduced commission.
Aptoide (EU)
Another iPhone game store, Lisbon-based Aptoide is an open app distribution solution. The company, already known as Google Play, 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 it became available in all EU countries. As a free-to-use app store, Aptoide doesn’t charge its users to cover its Core Technology Fee paid by Apple, but it takes a 10% to 20% commission on in-app purchases on iOS, depending on whether the market is made or not.
Across all platforms, including Android, web, car, and TV, Aptoide offers a million apps to its more than 430 million users.
Mobivention market area (EU)
An app store focused on B2B, Mobivention’s marketplace allows EU companies to distribute their internal apps that are used by employees, but which cannot – or should not – be published on Apple’s App Store. The company also offers customized app marketplace development for companies that want to provide employees with their own app store for their business apps. Large companies can even license Mobivention’s technology to customize the app marketplace to their needs.
Skich (EU)
Last March, Skich announced the launch of another app store for EU users, which differentiates itself by offering a Tinder-like interface for app discovery. That is, users swipe right to “match” apps they can enjoy. They can also create playlists and see what apps their friends are playing. The new store will replace the existing Skich app and will see the company take a 15% commission on every purchase. Instead of filling its app store with apps immediately, the store is marketed to developers at the Game Developers Conference (GDC).
Outside (EU and Japan)
Outside there is another iOS app store available in the EU and, now, in Japan, as of February 17, 2026, due to new regulations. The company promises to charge developers low prices while still providing security, including keeping payment information confidential. The store currently supports bank card payments and Apple Pay and will soon roll out support for other payment methods such as iDeal, Klarna, and more.
For consumers, Oside offers a range of high-end and exclusive applications not available in other markets within a standard interface that includes common features of the application store, such as editing collections, ratings and updates, and automatic updates.
