A seismic shift is underway in the iOS ecosystem within the European Union. Riley Testut, the developer behind the popular AltStore sideloading platform, has officially launched AltStore PAL – the first Apple-approved alternative app marketplace under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This marks the culmination of a decade-long effort by Testut, driven initially by his desire to distribute the Delta Nintendo emulator.

Decentralized by Design: How AltStore PAL Works

Unlike traditional app stores, AltStore PAL embraces a radically decentralized architecture:

  • Self-Hosted Apps: Developers host their own apps after Apple notarizes the "Alternative Distribution Packet" (ADP).
  • JSON Sources: Developers create a simple JSON file containing app metadata, hosted on their own public URL.
  • User Control: Users manually add these source URLs to AltStore PAL, creating a personalized marketplace showing only apps from their chosen sources.
  • Automated Updates: The system automatically checks sources for app updates, similar to macOS's Sparkle framework.

"You can think of AltStore not as an app marketplace, but more as a glorified 'sideloading tool' that simply reads JSON files and automatically notifies users of app updates," explains Testut. This design sidesteps a central directory, placing distribution control firmly in developers' hands.

Breaking Down App Store Barriers

AltStore PAL explicitly targets apps historically rejected by Apple's App Review:

  • Delta: The flagship Nintendo emulator (free, no ads) – the original catalyst for AltStore.
  • Clip: A true background-running clipboard manager (€1+ donation).
  • Future Potential: Apps like UTM (virtual machines), OldOS (iOS 4 recreation), and Kotoba (standalone dictionary) – all previously banned under App Store guidelines prohibiting emulators, "confusingly similar" interfaces, or unauthorized use of system assets.

Testut argues this fosters innovation stifled by App Store rules: "Our hope... is to give apps like these another path forward... iOS as a whole could benefit greatly from giving developers a chance to fully explore their ideas without arbitrary restrictions." He cites Apple's recent, DMA-pressured decision to allow retro game emulators like Delta as evidence competition works.

Monetization & Sustainability: The Patreon Model and CTF Challenge

AltStore PAL introduces a novel monetization approach tightly integrated with Patreon:

  1. Patreon-First: Developers can restrict app access to Patreon supporters, specifying tiers. Testut highlights the model's success funding AltStore and Delta for five years.
  2. Zero Commission: AltStore PAL takes no cut from Patreon donations – developers keep 100%. This fosters direct developer-user relationships.
  3. Addressing Apple's Core Technology Fee (CTF): Every AltStore PAL install costs €0.50. To ensure sustainability without venture capital, AltStore PAL charges users €1.50/year. This fee directly covers the CTF and payment processing for the apps AltStore distributes itself (like Delta and Clip). The original AltStore (requiring a computer) remains free globally but has limitations like 7-day refreshes.

A New Chapter for iOS Indie Development

The launch of AltStore PAL represents more than just a new storefront; it's a fundamental challenge to Apple's control over iOS software distribution within the EU. By empowering developers to self-host, monetize via Patreon without commissions, and distribute apps previously deemed unacceptable, AltStore PAL offers a tangible alternative for the indie community Testut champions. While the €1.50/year user fee is a direct consequence of Apple's CTF structure and the platform's long-term viability remains to be tested, the very existence of this open-source, developer-centric marketplace signals a potential renaissance for diverse and innovative iOS applications previously locked out of Apple's ecosystem. As Testut aptly notes, inspired by resilient gaming communities: "the only way to change the rules is to keep playing the game."

Source: Riley Testut's Blog - Introducing AltStore PAL