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European Union citizens are now allowed access to some app stores because of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a command designed to increase competition in the app ecosystem. Like Apple’s App Store, other app markets allow easy access to the world of apps on Apple devices, but instead of apps going through Apple’s App Review process, apps from third-party marketplaces have to go through it. notarization process ensuring that they meet “basic platform standards,” Apple says – such as being free of malware. However, each store can review and approve applications on its own terms. Sellers are also responsible for any issues related to support and refunds, not Apple.
In order to use the other software market, software developers must agree to Apple’s terms of business for DMA compatible software in the EU. This includes pay the new Core Technology Fee of €0.50 in the first annual launch of their market software, although more than 1 million installations have not yet been achieved, which is part of other EU software distributed according to Apple’s DMA business.
Despite the strict regulations, a few developers took advantage of this opportunity to distribute their software outside of Apple’s walls.
Beyond the EU, other markets are experimenting with alternative app stores, such as Japan. In December 2025, Apple has announced that it is following suit and the Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which gives developers new ways to distribute apps and arrange payments outside of Apple’s App Store.
This also requires developers to do it accept new business termssuch as a reduction of 10% to 21% App Store commission, a 5% payment fee for Apple in-app purchases, a 5% technical fee, and a 15% commission for online store sales made through the program’s link.
Below is a list of ways app stores iPhone users in these markets can try today.
AltStore PAL (EU)
Created by developer Riley Testut, developer of Nintendo emulator software DeltaAltStore PAL is an official marketplace for third-party software in the EU. The open source The app store will allow independent developers to distribute their apps alongside apps from developers AltStore, Delta, and a. A clipboard manager, called Clip.
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Unlike Apple’s App Store, AltStore apps are created by the developer themselves. To make it work, developers download another distribution pack (ADP) and install it on their server, then create a “source” that users will add to the AltStore to get their apps. This means that the only apps you’ll see in AltStore are the ones you’ve added yourself.
Others popular apps that users are adding include software for virtual machines UTMwhich allows you to run Windows and other applications on iOS or iPad; OldOSa redesign of iOS 4 built on SwiftUI; Kotobaan iOS dictionary available as a standalone app; torrenting app iTorrent; qBittorrent remote client for iOS devices called qBitControl; is a social networking platform PeopleDrop.
Setapp Mobile (EU – closed Feb. 2026)
MacPaw’s Setapp became one of the the first companies to accept Apple’s new DMA marketing policy to set up another software store for EU users. Unfortunately, this store didn’t last long – the company announced that it would after sunset the Setapp Mobile service on February 16, 2026. (Programs on Setapp Desktop are not affected.) The company cited Apple’s statement that it is “still in place” with business challenges as the reason for its decision.
The company previously offered subscription services with select apps for customers on iOS and Mac. Following the establishment of the DMA, it released another shopping center Setapp Mobile for iOS users in the EU only. Like his other subscriptions, the now-closed store had many programs under one subscription price, and the number of programs grew over time. These apps had no in-app purchases or ads and were generally considered the best. However, it did not include major apps like Facebook, Uber, Netflix, and others.
Epic Games Store (EU)
Fortnite developer Epic Games launched its own iOS app store in the EU in August 2024, allowing users to download games, including Fortnite and others such as 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 via support, as well as the Aptoide store for iOS in the EU and the ONE Store for Android.
The move to launch Fortnite in other iOS markets comes four years after Apple removed the game from the App Store due to copyright infringement, ahead of Epic challenging the App Store’s alleged exclusive rules. Although the US courts decided that Apple did not engage in illegal activities, the lawsuit said pave the way for builders to link to their websites to reduce the workload.
Aptoide (EU)
Another store for iPhone games, based in Lisbon Aptoide is an open source software distribution system. The company, which is already known for its Google Play alternative, said it checks these 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 being made available in all EU countries. As a free app store, Aptoide doesn’t charge its users the Core Technology Fees that Apple charges, but takes a 10% to 20% commission on in-app purchases on iOS, depending on whether they’re made by a marketplace or not.
Across all platforms, including Android, web, car, and TV, Aptoide offers 1 million apps to more than 430 million users.
Mobivention Market (EU)
A B2B software store, a Mobivention the market allows EU companies to distribute their internal software used by employees, but cannot – or should not – be published in Apple’s App Store. The company also offers market development for companies that want to provide employees with their own software store for their company software. Large companies can even use Mobivention’s technology to deeply modify the software market according to their needs.
Skich (EU)
Last March, Skich he announced the launch of another app store for EU users, which differentiates itself by offering a Tinder interface to find an app. That is, users swipe to the right to “connect” with apps they’re interested in. They can create playlists and see what programs their friends are playing. The new store will replace the existing Skich program and will see the company take a 15% commission on all purchases. Instead of filling its app store with apps right away, the store was sold to developers at the Game Developers Conference (GDC).
Side (EU and Japan)
On the side and other iOS stores available in the EU and, now, Japan, as of February 17, 2026, due to the new regulations. The company promises to charge developers low prices while offering security, including keeping payment information confidential. The store currently supports bank card payments and Apple Pay and will later offer support for other payment methods such as iDeal, Klarna, etc.
For consumers, Onside looks for premium and unique apps not available in other marketplaces with a familiar interface that includes traditional app content, such as collections, ratings and reviews, and automatic updates.
