When AltStore PAL launched in the European Union last year under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), it forced Apple to relent on its long-standing ban on emulators—a small but symbolic victory for app store competition. Now, the pioneering marketplace is doubling down on its mission to democratize iOS app distribution with ambitious global expansion plans, groundbreaking Fediverse integration, and critical new funding that could reshape the landscape for developers.

Breaking Down Apple's Walls: Global Expansion Plans

AltStore PAL, co-founded by Riley Testut and Shane Gill, will launch in Japan, Brazil, and Australia by year-end, with the UK following in 2026. This expansion responds to emerging global regulations challenging Apple's walled garden and will enable users to install apps like Testut's clipboard manager Clip, which remain excluded from the App Store. Developers targeting these regions can already prepare via AltStore’s documentation, signaling a proactive approach to onboarding. As Testut notes, "Each new country brings us one step closer to alternative app marketplaces being available worldwide." This isn't just growth—it's a strategic push to normalize third-party app stores, leveraging regulatory momentum from the DMA to pressure Apple into broader concessions.

Federating Apps: A Bold Leap into the Fediverse

In a landmark move, AltStore PAL is integrating with the Fediverse—the decentralized network powering platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky—using ActivityPub. Each AltStore source (app catalog) will have its own ActivityPub account, allowing users to follow, like, and comment on app updates directly from Fediverse clients. Interactions from Mastodon or Threads will appear natively in AltStore, creating a seamless social layer for app discovery and feedback.

"Using ActivityPub, we plan to federate apps, app updates, and news alerts from AltStore to the open social web," Testut announced, highlighting partnerships with Mastodon gGmbH for server management and A New Social for Bluesky support via Bridgy Fed.

Initially, updates will use ActivityPub's "Note" objects for compatibility, but future plans include custom "SoftwareRelease" objects for richer interoperability. A beta Mastodon server is live at explore.alt.store, with broader rollout expected in months. For developers, this opens avenues for community-driven app promotion and reduces dependency on centralized store algorithms—though it introduces complexities around moderation and cross-platform standards.

Funding the Future: Sustainability Meets Open Web Advocacy

After five years of bootstrapping via Patreon donations, AltStore secured investment from Chris Paik of Pace Capital (an early backer of Patreon and Twitch). This infusion addresses the team's scaling challenges: "We simply couldn’t afford to hire a third person, let alone a full team," Testut admits. Paik's involvement brings expertise in creator-focused models, enabling AltStore to pursue its roadmap without burnout.

Crucially, AltStore is reinvesting in the ecosystem, donating $500,000 to Fediverse projects—$300,000 to Mastodon gGmbH and the rest to tools like Bridgy Fed and PeerTube. As Testut reflects, "A rising tide lifts all boats... the success of AltStore is intimately tied with the success of the open social web."

Why This Matters for Developers

The AltStore PAL evolution underscores a pivotal shift: regulatory pressure and decentralized tech are eroding Apple's dominance. For developers, it promises:
- New Distribution Channels: Bypass App Store restrictions for niche or controversial apps.
- Community Engagement: Leverage Fediverse interactions for user feedback and virality.
- Ecosystem Resilience: Funding models like Pace Capital's investment demonstrate viable alternatives to ad-driven monopolies.

As alternative marketplaces proliferate, AltStore’s fusion of regulatory strategy, open protocols, and sustainable growth could inspire a new wave of innovation—proving that in the battle for an open app ecosystem, competition isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable.

Source: Riley Testut's blog post